When jaw bone deterioration occurs, and a patient wants to receive dental implants, bone grafting is required for sufficient dental bone volume. If you’ve had decay, injury, or trauma that led to tooth loss, the bone around it can begin to erode over time. Successful placement may be impossible without enough bone to support the implant. That’s where bone grafting for dental implants becomes essential, allowing your jaw to regain strength and structure in preparation for the implant.
Why Bone Grafting is Necessary
Bone grafting for dental implants is necessary when bone cannot anchor the implant securely. This procedure helps to restore the bone mass that has been lost, ensuring a solid foundation for dental implants and bone grafts. Whether it’s due to trauma or long-term tooth loss, bone deterioration can be addressed with grafting to ensure proper support for future implants.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are different methods of bone graft prior to dental implant placement. Autogenous grafts use bone from another part of the patient’s body, offering the advantage of a live tissue transplant that reduces risks of infection or rejection. Allografts use human bone from a donor, while xenografts use bone from non-human sources like bovine bone. All options are safe and effective, depending on the patient’s needs and the dentist’s recommendations.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
The bone graft for tooth implant procedure typically involves local anesthesia to numb the area. If an autogenous graft is used, the bone will be harvested from a different part of the patient’s body. The harvested bone is then anchored into the jawbone with titanium screws, sometimes combined with bone-grafting material to promote healing. This procedure allows the bone to regenerate, providing a stable platform for the bone grafting for implants.
Following directions, post-operative care instructions may include antibiotics and pain meds. It takes about six to nine months for the healing process of the graft as well, depending on how extensive the graft is and how long an individual takes to heal. After the graft heals, dental implants can be placed to restore your smile.
Visit Us!
For more details on bone grafting and dental implants or to set up a consultation, please contact us at our North Andover office today. Visit us at 451 Andover St STE 208, North Andover, MA, 01845.
