Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there! They are the only available solution to tooth loss that replaces the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for a variety of additional benefits, like stability, comfort, and longevity. However, some patients need to undergo preliminary procedures, like bone grafting, before they can get dental implants. Continue reading to learn more about bone grafting and why it is sometimes necessary.
How Does Missing Teeth Affect Bone Loss?
The root of your tooth stimulates the surrounding area of your jaw when you chew. This helps to keep the bone strong and healthy. However, when you lose tooth, your jawbone isn’t receiving the same stimulation. Over time, the bone tissue will be reabsorbed by the body. As more time goes on, the more the bone deteriorates. This can cause difficulties when it comes to eating and speaking. It can even affect the future alignment of your surrounding teeth.
How Does Bone Grafting Work?
A bone graft works by transplanting bone tissue into your jaw. This bone can come from another part of the mouth, a different location of your body, or from an animal donor. Sometimes, synthetic material is also used. Once this new piece of bone is placed in the correct area, it will seal itself to the old bone tissue in the areas that you need it. This is a relatively minor procedure, and most patients who have received bone grafts report that the experience was pain-free.
Why Do You Need to Have a Bone Graft?
Needing a bone graft before dental implants is fairly common. This technique is required when a patient doesn’t have a sufficient amount of healthy bone tissue in their mouth that is capable of supporting dental implants. A lot of the time, this is a result of previous tooth loss, but it can also be caused by developmental defects, gum disease, and facial injuries.
What Will Happen After Your Bone Graft?
After the bone graft procedure is complete, your dentist will prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection. If needed, you may also be given pain medication for the recovery period, but many patients are able to do well afterward with just antibiotics. Once the bone graft completely fuses with the natural bone tissue in the mouth, your dentist will be able to place your implants. Depending on your unique case, this could take anywhere from three months to a year.
During your consultation with your dentist, they will examine your smile to see if a bone graft or another procedure is needed to get your smile prepared for dental implants. You’ll be showing off a complete smile in just a matter of time.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee is an experienced oral surgeon who has been working in the field for more than two decades! He earned his dental doctorate from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry before completing a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. To learn more about bone grafting or to schedule a consultation at his office in Marietta, visit his website or call (740) 236-9392.