Q: I am missing my bottom back teeth and was told I need complicated jaw surgery and bone grafting even before the implants are placed. Is there another means to avoid this costly and aggressive procedure? Carol in Boynton
A: I would need to see digital images of your bone to properly answer this, but many times the above can be avoided by the old stand-by: The K.I.S.S rule. Keep It Simple Stupid. (Or in my neighborhood growing up, Keep It Simple Shlomo.)
“When insufficient bone exists, osseous grafting and ridge expansion are surgical options, but have serious morbidities (non-fatal complications or failures of the procedure), according to a recent article by Dennis Flanagan DDS in the Journal of Oral Implantology. A technique using a very short 6.5×5 mm implant may be placed at steep angle to successfully support permanent bridge/crown work, allowing you to “K.I.S.S.” your dentures goodbye! For free consumer info on this, contact us or attend our seminar.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Mitchell Josephs will be giving a FREE LECTURE on Incision-Free Dental Implant Surgery, Digital Crowns & Veneers and Choosing a Dental Office, at the Ross Jewish Community Center on Jog Road in Boynton Beach on Wednesday February 22nd at 10:00 am. Attendees will receive a FREE copy of his book: “Tooth Talk”. Seating is limited. Call “Shawn” at 561-259-3016 to register.
Dr. Mitchell Josephs practices Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry in Palm Beach and hosts the “Tooth Talk” radio on WBZT AM1230. (www.radiotoothtalk.com) Dr. Josephs is a Faculty Advisory Board member at McGill University’s Faculty of Dentistry.
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drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com
44 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, FL 33480
888-DRTOOTH (888-378-6684)
www.palmbeachdentist.com