Dental implants are becoming the preferred way to replace missing teeth. As a center of excellence in dental implants and associated bone grafting, the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Advanced General Dentistry at the University of Miami Health System is the premier place for this procedure.
Treatments
Implants
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into your jawbone where any teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Bone-Graft
If you have had extractions, gum disease, or a dental injury, you may have inadequate bone structure. Today, most bony defects can be rebuilt without removing a graft from the patient. This is due to the advanced bio-technology of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein pioneered by our faculty.
Guided Bone-Graft
Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, we may utilize special membranes that dissolve under the gum, protect the bone graft, and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major Bone-Grafts
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons also perform major bone grafts to repair large defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects may be rebuilt using the your own bone or with the use of human bone morphogenetic protein bio-technology. We can harvest bone from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia) are common donor sites.
Why Choose UHealth?
Center of excellence. Our oral surgery experts are known for our expertise in dental implants and bone grafting. We use growth factors (PRP and BMP) to accelerate healing and promote bone formation in graft areas.
General dentistry. In addition to providing more complicated procedures, we also offer routine dental services like extractions, cleanings, and examinations.
IV sedation. If dental work like extractions and root canals make you extremely nervous, IV sedation can really help you get the care you need. Our oral surgeons are qualified to administer general anesthesia because they have trained with a hospital-based anesthesiologist.
Cutting-edge procedures. As part of the University of Miami Health System, we are able to perform more advanced oral surgeries, such as tumor removal, reconstructive jaw and cosmetic surgery. Our experts have access to the latest treatments for snoring and sleep apnea.