Need Bone Grafting Before Dental Implants? Don’t Sweat It

Dental implant surgery is one of the most life-changing oral surgeries available. By surgically implanting titanium posts into the jawbone, patients can gain a healthy, stable and beautiful smile after missing teeth. However, since dental implants require precise placement and an important healing period to be successful, there are a few qualifications that patients must meet before getting implants.

Beyond being in overall good health and not smoking, there is one primary criteria that patients must meet in order to be a candidate for implant dentistry – adequate jaw bone structure. If your jaw does not offer sufficient density and height, an implant is at risk for instability and failure. If you’ve been missing your teeth for quite some time, it may be that your bone has already atrophied due to the lack of stimulation. Your jawbone can also become damaged by trauma or from advanced periodontal disease. Regardless of the reason, you should know that there is a way to still get the implants you need and deserve – it just may require one extra procedure first.

Bone Grafting Paves the Way for Success

Osseointegration is the amazing process that occurs when the implant fuses to the surrounding jawbone as it heals. The implant must be fully enveloped by the bone, however, in order for complete stability to take place. Bone grafting is a specialized (and common) procedure designed to rebuild the jawbone in order for it to support an implant. In essence, for patients who would otherwise not qualify for implants due to poor bone structure, bone grafting is the heroic procedure that can pave the way to a successful smile.

What to Expect from a Bone Graft

In most cases, bone grafting must be done a set period of time before your implant surgery, in order to ensure the graft is taken well and the site is fully healed. You can expect to be under local anesthesia during your bone grafting procedure. For many patients, healthy bone tissue is harvested from your own body and placed in areas of your jaw where density is lacking.  Sometimes, growth factors are used to accelerate the healing process so that you can receive implants sooner.

Don’t Stress

Rest assured that bone grafting may add a bit more time and expense to your implant process, but it is a very simple and routine procedure that promises excellent results. Most of all, it is the only option that can qualify you for the most advanced and highest quality teeth replacement available – and it’s one you’ll enjoy the rest of your life!