Dental implants are quickly becoming a standard procedure 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 stimulate bone growth in your jaw or skull by acting like a live tooth root, with the bone growing and integrating into the threads of the dental implant.
However, bone density deterioration starts almost immediately after a tooth is lost. If too much time passes, the bone density in the area may not be stable enough to support a dental implant. In these instances, a bone graft is a popular option for people who still want a dental implant.
Bone Graft Surgery
The bone grafting procedure is well-known among dentists, and it isn’t scary or frightening. Many of our patients need a bone graft before we can place a dental implant, and we may recommend the procedure for multiple reasons, including the following:
- Gum Disease.
- Developmental Defects.
- Face Trauma or Injury.
- Empty Space Where Teeth Used to Be.
Bone grafting involves building up bone mass by transplanting healthy bone tissue into areas that lack healthy tissue.
Bone Graft for Implant
Also known as the alveolar bone, the jawbone holds and supports teeth and is the area of your mouth that often needs a bone graft for an implant. Dental bone graft material comes from existing tissues and materials.
When you lose a tooth, suffer from gum disease, or have had a severe jaw injury, the jawbone may have undergone significant deterioration. 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 jawbone atrophy. 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 accommodate an incoming dental implant better.
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 struggling area. It is then held in place by titanium screws.
Sinus Lift Procedure
This procedure is performed when the patient needs an implant in the upper jaw. An equine bone is commonly used because it doesn’t dissolve as quickly as human bone and 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 grafting. A consultation with our dentist is the best way to determine your bone graft’s cost.
Dental Bone Graft Recovery
If necessary, you’ll receive antibiotics and pain medication following a bone grafting procedure. 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 differs, but your dentist can closely monitor your progress.
Learn More About Jawbone Graft With Compassionate Dental Care
Get in touch with us today with any questions regarding bone grafting. We are excited to walk you through the dental implant process and discuss a treatment plan for your beautiful, new, confident smile! 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.
