When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants stand out as an incredible solution that offers numerous quality-of-life benefits. However, there are some patients out there with missing teeth who aren’t immediately eligible for dental implants due to insufficient jawbone density, which is a common occurrence following tooth loss over extended periods. Luckily, this issue can often be remedied with the help of a supplemental bone graft. To learn more about dental implants and why some patients might need a bone graft before receiving these life-changing restorations, continue reading!
A Closer Look at Dental Implants
Dental implants refer to small titanium posts that can be used to replace the roots of missing teeth, which is something that traditional dental restorations cannot do on their own. The implants are placed into the jawbone as needed (anywhere from one to four or more can be used) and once they’ve fused with the bone and healed, a custom-made restoration can be attached. The result is a fully functional and beautiful replacement tooth or set of teeth that can endure for decades!
However, this all means that dental implants need to be placed in a favorable environment; one that’s free of oral health issues, but also just as importantly, one that has sufficient jawbone density, since the implants will be placed directly into the bone to fuse with it. Since many patients with missing teeth suffer from decreased jawbone volume and density, their jaws need a little extra help. This is where bone grafting can come into play.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that isn’t exclusive to dentistry but is very frequently used when it comes to placing dental implants. However, not every dental implant patient needs to undergo bone grafting – just those who lack the proper jawbone density needed to support implants!
It involves borrowing donor bone tissue, either from another part of the patient’s body or from a different source, and fortifying the areas of the jawbone that are lacking sufficient volume. By transplanting this healthy bone tissue, dentists and oral surgeons can recreate bone and supporting tissues that are missing. There are different types of dental bone grafts that can be used, with sinus lifts being among the most common, as well as socket graphs and lateral ridge preservation grafts. The nature of your bone graft will depend on many factors that your provider will carefully review with you.
Following a dental bone graft, your mouth will need a few months to fully heal, and from there, it’ll be up to your dentist or oral surgeon to determine when you’re ready to receive your dental implants. When it comes to dental implants, gum health is key – so ensuring that your recovery period goes smoothly, and your oral health is excellent moving forward needs to be a top priority moving forward.
About the Practice
Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates understands that tooth loss can be devastating, but we want you to know that we’re here to help you rebuild your smile and ensure that you’re able to enjoy life to the fullest once more. We proudly offer a wide range of services, including dental implants! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team, please feel free to reach out online or over the phone for assistance: (774) 220-7355.
