Although there are several ways to replace missing teeth, many experts consider dental implants the ideal method because of their unique advantages. They’re the only restoration that’s surgically embedded into your jawbone to function as sturdy standalone structures. As a result, they tend to be stronger and more resilient than alternatives like dental bridges or dentures.
However, many patients require an additional bone graft before they can proceed with dental implants. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and why it’s sometimes necessary!
What is a Bone Graft?
Dental bone grafting is a surgical solution that builds up the bone density and thickness of your jaw or facial structure. The source material can be extracted from other places in your own body, donated from another species such as bovine, or made of synthetic materials, like Hydroxyapatite.
Afterward, it can take several months to recover because the new material needs time to fuse with the existing bone growth. Once you’ve healed sufficiently, your oral surgeon can schedule your dental implant procedure.
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Dental Implants?
Many patients are surprised to learn that their jaw starts to thin after tooth loss. The roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down and chew, which keeps your jaw active and healthy. Unfortunately, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding mass within the first year that your pearly white went missing.
Your restoration includes a titanium rod inserted in your jaw, meaning that it must have sufficient density for your prosthetic to succeed. After the metal pole is placed, your bone fuses with it in a process called osseointegration. You’re less likely to complete this stage of recovery successfully without enough jawbone density, making your implant more vulnerable to failure.
Who is Likely to Require a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?
There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of needing additional surgery before you can receive dental implants, such as:
- Your dental condition. Active infections and gum disease that are left untreated can spread to your jawbone and erode the material.
- Age. Our bodies lose more bone mass as we age because the body breaks down more of the material than it can replace, weakening the skeletal structure.
- Smoking. Tobacco products contain nicotine which suppresses your immunity and increases your vulnerability to gum disease, which can affect the tissues holding your implant in place.
If you’re unsure whether you need a bone graft before you can get dental implants, the best way to find out is to consult with your oral surgeon!
About the Practice
Patients at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery benefit from a team of board-certified experts who are passionate about helping them improve their dental health. With 20+ years of combined experience, they can handle everything from simple extractions or improving your appearance to more complex procedures, like bone grafts and dental implants. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call the Alexandria office at (571) 777-6501.