Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants

Dental implants are often the best solution to replace a missing tooth. However, sometimes there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the implant. In this case, bone grafting may be recommended to create additional bone so that an implant can be placed.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a common procedure that is often required before dental implants but may also be recommended on its own for a variety of other reasons. Essentially, this procedure aims to build up the bone in the jaw so that implants can be successfully placed without complication. The bone typically needs to be built up due to tooth loss, gum disease, or injury - and is often performed around existing teeth or on an empty tooth socket following extraction.

During the surgery, the dentist will drill into the jawbone and place the graft material inside. From there, the graft will begin to integrate with the existing bone over time. If enough of the bone structure has been compromised, then the patient may require a combination of procedures. In this case, the bone graft may be done first, followed by some tissue grafting to fill in any gaps that may have been caused by bone loss. Once these two procedures are complete, the patient can move forward with dental implant placement. Keep in mind that patients who undergo these procedures may need anywhere from a few months to a year before their dental implants are ready to be restored with dental crowns. This is to allow for proper healing to take place.

While it may sound intimidating to undergo multiple surgeries at once, keep in mind that the results are well worth it. With a new smile and healthy teeth and gums, patients are able to live more confidently than ever before. And with the proper care, their new smile can last for a lifetime!

Why Is a Bone Graft Needed?

A bone graft is needed for a variety of reasons, such as flaws in bone structure, periodontal disease, or trauma to the jaw. Once a tooth is lost, the bone around the tooth will start to resorb away. The graft replaces this lost tissue and ensures that there’s enough support for an implant to be placed. Without this treatment, the dental implant will not be able to integrate into the bone properly, and the implant will have to be removed in the future. This is not only expensive and time-consuming, but a gap in your smile isn’t ideal in the short term or the long term.

If you’re missing one tooth, a bone graft will ensure that your other teeth remain upright. This prevents your other teeth from shifting into the empty space and puts you at risk of losing more teeth to crowding. It also supports your jawbone, which naturally recedes after a tooth is gone. Without the tooth in place to stimulate it, bone can begin to resorb away, which can cause a number of problems. Jawbone recession can cause your face to look sunken in, cause your mouth to be misaligned, and make chewing difficult and painful. By replacing the lost tissue with a bone graft, you can prevent these complications and enjoy a full smile for years to come.

For more information about bone grafting, visit Englewood Dentistry at 334 Grand Ave, Englewood 07631, or call (201) 541-8111.