Dental implants are quickly becoming a common procedure that you have probably heard about when you’ve been in to see your dentist. Chances go up that you’re at least somewhat familiar with them if you’re missing one or more teeth because they are an excellent option to consider for tooth replacement.
Bone Density and Dental Implants
While the dental implant procedure may be commonly known, some elements of implants are less known, including bone grafting. Dental implants can promote and stimulate bone growth in your jaw or skull by taking the place of a missing tooth and acting like a live tooth root. The bone grows and integrates with the dental implant like it would an actual tooth root.
However, deterioration of bone density starts happening almost immediately after a tooth is lost. After a long period of time, the bone density in the area may not be stable enough to support a dental implant. A bone graft is a popular option for people who still want a dental implant.
Bone Graft Surgery
Many of our patients need a bone graft before we can place a dental implant. The bone grafting procedure is well-known among dentists and isn’t something that is scary or frightening. We may recommend a bone graft or multiple reasons, including the following:
- Gum Disease.
- Developmental Defects.
- Face Trauma or Injury.
- Empty Space Where Teeth Used to Be.
Bone grafting is the process of building up bones through the transplantation of healthy bone tissue into areas that lack healthy tissue.
Bone Graft for Implant
Dental bone graft material comes from existing tissues and materials. The area of your mouth that often needs a bone graft for an implant is the jawbone. Also known as the alveolar bone, the jawbone specifically holds and supports teeth.
Whether you lose a tooth, suffer from gum disease, or have had a serious jaw injury, the jawbone may have already started to deteriorate. If the bone atrophies, or deteriorates, too far, your dental implant won’t hold to your jaw and can cause complications.
We may utilize one of several different types of bone grafts. The one we use will depend on your unique mouth and unique needs.
Socket Graft
This method involves using a graft as a preventative measure. Donor bone tissue is placed in the area as soon as possible to build it up and prevent atrophy of the jawbone. It will also prevent the collapse of the socket and can make recovery easier following a dental implant placement.
Lateral Ridge Preservation Graft
This type of graft widens the width of the jawbone to better accommodate an incoming dental implant.
Block Bone Graft
If there are large areas of defects in the jawbone, a block bone graft can be a good solution. A small block of bone is harvested from the back of the jaw and placed in the area that is struggling. It is then held in place by titanium screws.
Sinus Lift Procedure
This type of procedure is performed when the patient needs an implant in the upper jaw. An equine bone is commonly used in this instance because it doesn’t dissolve as quickly as human bone and it is the most similar to a human bone.
Bone Graft Cost
As always, the price for something as varied and personal as a bone graft will vary based on the type of anesthetics used, the length of the procedure, and the number of bones that need to be grafted. A consultation with our dentist is the best way to find out the cost of your bone graft.
Dental Bone Graft Recovery
Following a bone grafting procedure, you’ll be provided with antibiotics and pain medication, if necessary. Most patients recover quickly from a bone graft procedure, but you’ll still need time for the bone graft to fuse to the natural bone. Each person’s healing time is different, but your dentist can keep a close eye on your progress.
Learn More About Jawbone Graft With Compassionate Dental Care
Get in touch with us today with any questions regarding bone grafting. We’re here to help you understand the process of attaining a happier, healthier smile with our skilled and caring dental team. Call for a FREE Dental Implant Consultation at (847) 854-7645. We are excited to walk you through the dental implant process and discuss a treatment plan for your beautiful, new, confident smile!
