A bone grafting procedure involves the restoration of lost jawbone, which is necessary before dental implant placement if the patient does not have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant long-term. This review discusses dental bone grafting for the purpose of restoring lost jawbone ahead of dental implant placement.
Not every dental implants patient requires bone grafting before the placement of dental implants. During a consultation visit with a licensed dental professional that offers implant treatment, they can assess the condition of your jawbone health through the use of dental x-rays to determine if a bone graft procedure is necessary.
A bone grafting procedure, specifically a dental bone graft used ahead of a scheduled dental implant placement procedure, involves grafting bone material to the area above or below a missing tooth (or missing teeth) to ensure there is enough healthy bone to adequately support the implant(s). The procedure is considered to be a form of minor surgery, but complications are rare and the procedure is considered safe with minimal risks.
Determining whether or not a bone graft procedure is necessary typically requires a professional evaluation of dental X-rays by a licensed dentist. In general, a bone graft is necessary before dental implant placement if a fair amount of jawbone has been lost either due to a more progressive form of periodontal disease (periodontitis) or atrophy that occurs after teeth loss. Not all dental implant patients require a bone graft procedure. Specifically, patients that have retained the majority of their natural jawbone after the loss of teeth are able to forego a bone graft procedure and proceed with the placement of dental implants.
As discussed, dental implants are permanently fixed inside of the jawbone, and each implant must go through a process that is known as osseointegration, in which the jawbone and implant fuse together. To ensure osseointegration and limit the risk of early implant failure, there must be an adequate level of healthy bone tissue inside of the jaw. A bone graft procedure helps ensure a long-term and stable positioning of the dental implants inside of the jaw.
Bone grafting is also safe and minimally invasive for patients. Although it is a form of oral surgery, the dental and surgical team can help ensure you have a good experience before and after the procedure. Due to effective and safe sedative options, patients do not feel anything in most cases during the procedure.
For a dental bone grafting procedure specifically, a piece of bone from another part of the patient’s jaw is taken and transplanted into the area it is needed (above or below one or more missing teeth). This type of bone graft is known as an autograft.
There are other ways of obtaining bone graft material that the dental professional may recommend as well. In some cases, particularly if the patient does not have enough healthy bone tissue in the chin or hard palate, then the donor tissue may be taken from the hip or shin.
Another type of bone graft is an allograft, which is donor bone tissue from another person. A xenograft may be available as well, which involves using donor tissue from an animal. All options are effective and safe.
The patient must take good care of their oral health after a bone graft procedure to avoid any setbacks in the recovery process. The length of recovery varies. The initial side effects (pain, inflammation, etc.) should go away within a month, but it typically takes at least three months for the jawbone to completely heal. After healing takes place, the dental implant placement procedure can be scheduled.
The best way to get started with dental implants is to schedule a visit with our dental team. We have experience assisting patients throughout the dental implant process, from determining if bone grafting is necessary during a consultation visit to ensuring our patients love their new smile long-term after the attachment of their permanent teeth replacement restoration. During your first visit, we can help you put together a treatment plan that is complementary to your treatment goals, preferences, and schedule.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Not every patient requires a bone graft procedure before tooth replacement from an implant dentist, but it may be necessary for certain situations. This review discusses the role of bone grafting in the implant dentistry process and what to expect before, during, and after a bone graft procedure.A bone grafting procedure is needed when there…
A dental bone graft is the recommended procedure to restore a deteriorated jawbone. Many patients often want to know how quickly their bones will heal and what the aftercare process is after this treatment. The following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding dental bone graft aftercare.A dental bone transplant is…
Adults with gum disease or who have lost teeth may be in a need of a bone graft to restore the jawbone. Severe bone loss in the jaw impacts appearance and the likelihood that tooth replacements will stay in place. A dental graft is a minor procedure that stimulates new bone growth. The procedure is…
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that dentists use to rebuild or repair bones, which is achieved by transplanting bone tissue. By transplanting healthy bone tissue, dentists can recreate the bone and supporting tissues that are missing.Before we get to the answer to the question, it is important to understand what bone grafting is and…
Emergency dentistry can provide immediate relief from the discomfort that you may be experiencing. While waiting for your turn, you can do a few things to help your situation. Knowing what to do can prepare your teeth and gums for urgent treatment.If a patient wants to know what they can do while waiting to see…
Dental implants are excellent options for restoring dental function and aesthetics in patients with missing teeth. However, the process does not end after the implant placement. The long-term condition of your mouth determines the success of the treatment. If you want to maintain good oral health and thus, your implants, this article explores a few…