Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. It is helpful for patients to understand more about the treatment process before beginning treatment. One common question dentists receive about the process is whether or not they will need a bone graft procedure, which this review seeks to answer in detail.
Dental implant treatment: when is a bone graft necessary?
A bone graft is recommended before a dental implant if the patient has experienced bone loss inside of the jaw as a result of bone atrophy due to tooth loss and/or periodontal disease. The following is a detailed review of what a bone graft procedure is and why it may be required as a part of the dental implant process.
What is a bone graft?
A bone graft, specifically a dental bone graft, is an oral surgery procedure that addresses a loss of bone inside of the jaw. The procedure involves taking bone or a substitute material and grafting it where bone loss has occurred.
This is commonly performed before the dental implants process. Bone loss in the jaw is relatively common in patients that experience the loss of teeth as the jawbone loses its purpose of holding teeth in the socket and subsequently atrophy can occur.
When is a bone graft required?
A bone graft may be required before a dental implant if there has been noticeable bone loss inside of the jaw to an extent that can increase the risk of implant failure. As mentioned, the purpose of bone grafting is to restore any lost bone that has occurred as a result of atrophy, which can result after the tooth is gone, and/or periodontal disease.
What happens during a bone graft procedure?
A bone graft is an oral surgery procedure, so most patients receive an anesthetic to keep them from feeling any discomfort. Once the sedation is applied, the bone area is accessed, and the new bone material is carefully grafted. In many cases, the bone is taken from another portion of the jaw or body, although there are other types of grafts that may be an option as well.
What happens after a bone graft?
Most patients recover from a bone graft within a week or two, but it can take more time for bone regeneration to occur and for the newly grafted bone to strengthen and proper form. Once the bone heals properly, then the placement of the dental implants can be scheduled. Now that there is enough healthy bone to reliably support the implants, the risk of implant failure is greatly reduced.
Schedule a visit for more dental implant information
During your dental implant consultation here at our dental practice, we can assess your need for a bone graft procedure. We can also help you put together a comprehensive treatment plan for dental implant restoration, which outlines each step of the process. To get started with a consultation visit, call us today and we can answer your questions and schedule a time for a visit.
Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Sterling, VA.
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