Dental implants are the most natural and efficient method of replacing missing teeth. They restore your smile and provide the missing surface area needed for chewing your food properly. They also provide support for your facial muscles, so you won’t have that sunken in look, adding years to your appearance. Dental implants also provide the security that a removable dental prosthesis cannot give you. However, they need sufficient bone mass to be placed.

What if your jaws cannot support an implant? There are situations in which a person’s jaw does not have enough bone structure to support an implant. In these instances, a bone graft may be the answer. When the bone at the implant site is too thin or too soft, the implant may not be successful, and your dentist may suggest a bone graft.

The Bone Graft Procedure

There are two sources for this procedure. Bone may be taken from another part of the body to be used for the graft or a special bone grafting material may be used. The bone or grafting material is grafted onto the jawbone at the site where the implant will go.

Over time, the graft will cause new bone to grow. When it is strong enough to support the implant procedure, the next steps will be taken. Occasionally, only a small bit of bone is needed to complete a graft, and the implant surgery can be done during the time of the grafting.

Your dentist will need a complete medical history, a list of your medications and knowledge of any health risks you may have. This information is required to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They last a lifetime, look and feel natural and help prevent bone loss in the area. Contact 1899 Dental Implant to find the affiliated dentists near you. Improve your smile, and have your oral health restored by filling in those gaps with dental implants from 1899 Dental Implant.