If you experience bone loss as a result of missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental implant bone graft before you commence treatment. With a bone grafting procedure, the bone may be taken from another part of your body, or synthetic bone can be used before you get dental implants. Not everyone needs a bone graft – the only way to find out for sure is to get a consultation at your local dental clinic. In this article, we will take a look at what bone grafting entails.
Why Does A Dental Implant Need A Solid Jaw?
Dental implants are surgically embedded into your jaw during surgery. Because they withstand a high degree of force when you bite your food, they need to be supported by jaw bone that is strong and thick. Dental implants are permanent and often last for decades, so they need a solid anchor to be held in place.
In patients who have been missing teeth for a while, bone grafting is often required to ensure a successful dental implant procedure. When you visit a dentist that offers consultation, he or she will take an x-ray of your jaw to see how thick it is. If it is insufficient to hold your dental implants securely, a bone graft may be recommended.
What Is A Dental Implant Bone Graft?
A dental implant bone graft makes your jaw thicker and stronger in areas where the bone has been lost.
During the procedure, your dental practitioner will place bone graft material to encourage the growth of new bone.
If you have a minor graft, your dentist may proceed to place your dental implant during the same surgery.
If you have a major graft, you will probably have to wait a few months for new bone to develop.
Your dentist will explain what you need once a treatment plan has been created, and let you know how your implant surgery will be impacted in terms of timeline and costs.
Is A Dental Implant Bone Graft Painful?
Just like a dental implant procedure, bone grafting is performed under anaesthetic, so you should not expect to feel any pain. An incision is made into your gum before the graft material is placed and stitched up again.
You may experience some swelling, bleeding, and tenderness, but these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications. You will be given comprehensive post-operative care instructions to help you with wound healing.
Does Everyone Need A Bone Graft For Dental Implants?
Not everyone who has dental implants needs bone graft surgery. If you have a strong, healthy jaw, your dental implant surgery can proceed without this procedure. Patients who have been wearing dentures or had missing teeth for a while are more likely to have thin jaw bone that needs to be grafted before dental implants.
Getting a dental implant near you is the most reliable way to know if you need a dental implant bone graft. To find out more or to make an appointment, please contact us: (03) 5749 1208.
REFERENCES
Dental Bone Graft
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
Bone Graft For Dental Implants: Understanding The Possibility
https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/implants/bone-graft-for-dental-implants-0213
