Why Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?

A dental implant mimics a natural tooth’s appearance, strength, stability, and durability. An implant bonds with the surrounding bone and gums, providing a strong restoration, unlike alternative treatments like bridges and dentures. With proper dental care and habits, an implant can last for a lifetime.

Dental Implants and Jawbone Density

If you’re considering dental implants, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist in Quincy, MA. The dentist will inspect your mouth to determine your candidacy for dental implant surgery. You need to have a healthy and adequate jawbone volume to hold a dental implant successfully.

Your dentist will consider dense, thick, deep, or wide factors. The primary reason for jawbone deterioration is missing teeth. According to research, you can lose 25% of your jawbone’s density within one year of losing a tooth. Replacing lost teeth is essential to prevent this.

Fortunately, having an insufficient jawbone doesn’t mean that you can’t have dental implants. While it will delay your treatment, a bone graft can improve your candidacy for dental implants.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure of repairing and rebuilding damaged or weakened jawbone. The dentist surgically places new bone materials on the weak jawbone. The graft integrates with the jawbone and stimulates new growth, restoring your jawbone density.

There are two main types of bone grafts: allograft and autograft grafts. The dentist obtains autografts from other body parts like ribs, chin, hips, wrist, and pelvis. If that’s not possible, you can get an allograft. In this case, the dentist obtains bone from a human donor.

A healthy and strong jawbone will facilitate successful dental implant treatment. With sufficient jawbone supporting the implant, you’ll regain up to 70% of your natural biting force. You can go back to enjoying your favorite foods without worrying about slippage. Contact our dentist for bone grafting in Quincy, MA.

Types of Bone Grafts

Below are the four major types of bone grafts:

• Socket preservation – The graft material goes in the socket immediately after tooth extraction. It prevents the socket from caving in. It will preserve your jawbone until they place your dental implant.
• Ridge Augmentation – The longer you go with missing teeth, the more the underlying jawbone gets thinner. Your dentist can recommend a ridge augmentation procedure to increase the volume and width of your jawbone. It provides a solid base for your implants.
• Sinus Lift – When you lose your upper teeth, the sinuses can drop down and occupy the space left by the teeth’s roots. Placing a dental implant would mean penetrating the sinus membrane. It is necessary to lift the sinus back to its proper position. Then, the dentist will place a bone graft underneath the sinus, providing a solid foundation for an implant.
• Periodontal bone graft – Advanced gum disease can cause jawbone loss. Your dentist can perform a periodontal bone graft to strengthen the underlying jawbone.After your bone graft procedure, the dentist will allow the area to heal before placing the dental implant. The healing process can take 3-9 months, depending on your condition. A dentist would simultaneously place a bone graft and an implant in rare cases.

Do You Need a Bone Graft?

Consult your dentist near you to know whether you need a bone graft before a dental implant. The longer it has been with missing teeth, the more likely you’ll need a graft. However, some patients may not need a bone graft even though they lost their natural teeth years ago. Whatever the dentist recommends, be sure it will facilitate your long-term success.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need dental implants in Quincy, MA? Contact Quincy Dental Associates to book your appointment today.