A bone grafting procedure involves the restoration of lost jawbone, which is necessary before dental implant placement if the patient does not have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant long-term. This review discusses dental bone grafting for the purpose of restoring lost jawbone ahead of dental implant placement.
Not every dental implants patient requires bone grafting before the placement of dental implants. During a consultation visit with a licensed dental professional that offers implant treatment, they can assess the condition of your jawbone health through the use of dental x-rays to determine if a bone graft procedure is necessary.
A bone grafting procedure, specifically a dental bone graft used ahead of a scheduled dental implant placement procedure, involves grafting bone material to the area above or below a missing tooth (or missing teeth) to ensure there is enough healthy bone to adequately support the implant(s). The procedure is considered to be a form of minor surgery, but complications are rare and the procedure is considered safe with minimal risks.
Determining whether or not a bone graft procedure is necessary typically requires a professional evaluation of dental X-rays by a licensed dentist. In general, a bone graft is necessary before dental implant placement if a fair amount of jawbone has been lost either due to a more progressive form of periodontal disease (periodontitis) or atrophy that occurs after teeth loss. Not all dental implant patients require a bone graft procedure. Specifically, patients that have retained the majority of their natural jawbone after the loss of teeth are able to forego a bone graft procedure and proceed with the placement of dental implants.
As discussed, dental implants are permanently fixed inside of the jawbone, and each implant must go through a process that is known as osseointegration, in which the jawbone and implant fuse together. To ensure osseointegration and limit the risk of early implant failure, there must be an adequate level of healthy bone tissue inside of the jaw. A bone graft procedure helps ensure a long-term and stable positioning of the dental implants inside of the jaw.
Bone grafting is also safe and minimally invasive for patients. Although it is a form of oral surgery, the dental and surgical team can help ensure you have a good experience before and after the procedure. Due to effective and safe sedative options, patients do not feel anything in most cases during the procedure.
For a dental bone grafting procedure specifically, a piece of bone from another part of the patient’s jaw is taken and transplanted into the area it is needed (above or below one or more missing teeth). This type of bone graft is known as an autograft.
There are other ways of obtaining bone graft material that the dental professional may recommend as well. In some cases, particularly if the patient does not have enough healthy bone tissue in the chin or hard palate, then the donor tissue may be taken from the hip or shin.
Another type of bone graft is an allograft, which is donor bone tissue from another person. A xenograft may be available as well, which involves using donor tissue from an animal. All options are effective and safe.
The patient must take good care of their oral health after a bone graft procedure to avoid any setbacks in the recovery process. The length of recovery varies. The initial side effects (pain, inflammation, etc.) should go away within a month, but it typically takes at least three months for the jawbone to completely heal. After healing takes place, the dental implant placement procedure can be scheduled.
The best way to get started with dental implants is to schedule a visit with our dental team. We have experience assisting patients throughout the dental implant process, from determining if bone grafting is necessary during a consultation visit to ensuring our patients love their new smile long-term after the attachment of their permanent teeth replacement restoration. During your first visit, we can help you put together a treatment plan that is complementary to your treatment goals, preferences, and schedule.
Request an appointment here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com or call New York Dental Office at (212) 548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants in New York, NY.
A dental bone graft is a critical procedure used to build up or restore the bone in areas where it has been lost or damaged, often as a result of tooth loss, injury, or infection. The success of dental implants relies heavily on the quality and quantity of the jawbone, which provides a stable foundation…
A dentist determines whether you need a bone graft when they diagnose you. They will use visual exams and medical imaging to get a complete picture of what is going on beneath the gum line.Dentists might recommend bone graft procedures right after tooth extraction. This type of bone graft is a preventative measure that prevents…
Learning more about when a bone graft is needed will help you understand more about your good oral health. When you understand what it takes for you to have good oral health, you are more likely to experience it, and your overall health will likely be in good shape too.Want to know whether a bone…
Most people understand the importance of regular medical screenings to prevent various illnesses, but many do not realize the relationship between oral health and general health. Routine dental care is an essential preventative measure necessary to ensure good health.Gingivitis and periodontal disease can cause infections that lead to tooth loss, jawbone loss, bite changes, and…
Most people understand the importance of regular medical screenings to prevent various illnesses, but many…
Gum disease treatment is an important part of comprehensive oral healthcare.
When patients go for routine dental care, they may or may not have X-rays taken…
Implant restoration plays a vital role in restoring the appearance and function of a complete…
Prioritizing routine dental care is an essential part of maintaining a healthy mouth that looks…
Most healthy dental patients are recommended to visit the dentist for routine dental care, which…
