Will I Require a Bone Graft for Dental Implants
If you're contemplating dental implants, you're taking steps toward smile restoration. As dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, our Bellflower patients often inquire about the need for a bone graft beforehand. We recommend visiting our dental office for an examination and X-rays to determine the necessity based on your health. To schedule an appointment, please call +15629253735. In the interim, here are answers to common inquiries about the bone graft procedure.
What is Bone Augmentation?
Bone augmentation can be carried out using various methods, but its primary objective is to enhance or reconstruct bone tissue, resulting in a denser and stronger jawbone.
What causes the loss of density in the jawbone initially?
This is typically attributed to resorption. Within the first year of tooth loss, you can experience up to a 25 percent reduction in bone density in the affected area, with further loss over time. The presence of teeth and their roots provides stimulation to the jawbone, signaling to the brain that the jaw is fulfilling its primary function. However, when teeth are lost, this stimulation diminishes or ceases altogether. Consequently, the body begins to absorb calcium from the jawbone for use elsewhere. If you anticipate tooth loss, prompt dental intervention can help prevent or mitigate resorption through certain procedures.
Other factors contributing to bone density loss include periodontal (gum) disease, developmental defects, injuries, decay, and infections. Regular dental check-ups for preventive care can aid in reducing these risks.
When is Bone Grafting Required for Dental Implants?
If you've experienced bone density loss, your jawbone may lack the necessary thickness to support a dental implant. When undergoing dental implant placement, a dentist surgically inserts a small titanium post beneath your gums and secures it to your jawbone. Therefore, your jawbone must possess sufficient density to accommodate the post securely. Analogously, consider it akin to building furniture where the wood used must be thick enough for the screw to be properly secured. Bone grafting procedures can augment the density of your jawbone, ensuring an ideal fit for the titanium post.
Whose bone is utilized for the graft itself?
The graft may consist of your own bone or processed bone. Alternatively, newer technologies exist that may not necessitate bone grafting, instead facilitating the transformation of cells into bone. However, this innovative approach is still emerging and may not be suitable for all individuals.
What occurs prior to the procedure?
Before the procedure, images of your bone will be taken to allow the dentist and surgeon to devise a plan for augmentation. This is usually accomplished through a CT scan. Additionally, you'll need to decide whether to utilize processed bone or opt for bone taken from another area of your body.
What does the bone grafting procedure entail?
For this procedure, you'll likely receive anesthesia to induce sleep. Regardless, the area will be numbed with anesthesia, applied to both your gums and any site from which bone is extracted. Subsequently, an incision will be made in your gum tissue, creating a flap to expose the bone. This allows the surgeon to assess the necessary amount of bone to be placed. If bone is sourced from another location, an incision will be made to extract it. Grafting material will then be inserted into the bone's former location and the area will be sutured closed. Next, the new bone will be affixed to your jawbone using a titanium screw. Additional grafting material may surround the new bone block, and some surgeons may apply membrane material around the graft. Finally, the area will be closed and sutured.
What is the recovery period like and what can I expect to feel afterward?
Following your bone grafting procedure, you will likely experience significant soreness. To alleviate discomfort, it's recommended to take ibuprofen and apply ice packs for fifteen-minute intervals. Additionally, antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection, and using an antibacterial mouthwash is advised. It's crucial to avoid placing pressure on the area and to be cautious with your diet for several weeks.
The complete healing process typically takes several months, typically six to nine. During this time, your body will gradually build new bone around the grafting material or fuse your jawbone with the bone from another part of your body. While this process may be slower, it ensures the stability of your dental implants once they are placed.
Is Bone Grafting a Common Dental Procedure?
This is a specialized procedure typically performed by select dentists. Consequently, you may visit one dentist for a bone grafting procedure and another for dental implants.
Are There Alternative Options Available?
Yes. Some dentists offer mini dental implants. These implants are not for everyone. However, they can work well if you have limited density in your jawbone but are not interested in having a bone grafting procedure. These implants are shorter and wider, making them an alternative for those suffering from resorption.
