5 Things to Know About Bone Grafting
People who are missing teeth, whether because of severe periodontal disease, injury, or extensive tooth decay, may choose to undergo dental implant surgery. Unfortunately, there may not be enough jawbone present to support the placement of dental implants. That is where bone grafting proves helpful.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that allows oral surgeons to rebuild or add additional bone to your jawbone. This additional bone adds enough support for a dental implant to be placed at a future date.
If you are considering getting dental implants, it is a good idea to take the time to learn more about bone grafting. Learning more about this surgical procedure will help prepare you for what to expect should your oral surgeon recommend bone grafting as part of your plan to get dental implants.
The Success Rate for Bone Grafting
One of the biggest concerns patients have about bone grafting is the procedure will not be successful. If the procedure is unsuccessful then they have gone through an extensive surgical procedure and are unable to proceed with dental implants. Luckily, the success rate for bone grafting is extremely high.
There is no way to 100% guarantee that a bone graft will be successful. However, your oral surgeon will conduct a complete assessment and provide you with extensive pre- and post- surgical instructions. The combination of these two things will improve your chances of having a successful bone graft procedure.
Two Sources are Available for Surgeons Get the Bone for Bone Grafting
Surgeons have two options of where to get the bone used for bone grafting. They can get bone from a tissue bank or they can use a bone from the patient. Surgeons will often prefer to use donated bone from the patient because the body tends to accept that type of bone better. However, tissue bank bone can be used if a patient is unable to donate bone.
Bone Grafting isn’t the Only Option
Bone grafting may be the most popular option to help with bone regrowth for dental implants, but it isn’t the only option that is available. Sinus lift, distraction osteogenesis, and ridge expansions are all alternative treatment options if your jawbone isn’t wide or long enough to support a dental implant.
Bone Grafting isn’t Just for Your Lower Jaw
Many patients commonly assume that bone grafts are only performed on the lower jaw, but they aren’t. Bone grafts can be performed on your upper mouth near your sinuses.
Bone grafting near the sinuses, known as a sinus graft or sinus lift, is done when you need dental implants to replace missing upper teeth. Your upper mouth naturally only has a very small, thin layer of bone. That bone isn’t thick enough, strong enough, or wide enough to support a dental implant. A bone graft can be performed to create a strong, sturdy foundation that can be used for future dental implants that will replace missing upper teeth.
When is a Bone Graft Procedure Recommended for Dental Implants?
Even though bone grafting is an extremely popular procedure performed before dental implants, not everyone who wants a dental implant will need a bone graft. In fact, some people who have had teeth missing for years won’t need a bone graft, while others who have recently lost a tooth may need one. It really all depends on how much bone loss is present.
The surgeon, by looking at a series of x-rays and imaging, will determine if there is enough bone to support a dental implant. If there isn’t enough bone to support a dental implant, a bone graft procedure may be recommended.
Schedule a Consultation with an Oral Surgeon to See if a Bone Graft is Needed Before Dental Implants
Call Vero VIP Implants & Periodontics to schedule an appointment for a consultation with our oral surgeon. Our oral surgeon will provide you with an honest assessment and help you fully understand what you need to do to get dental implants. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.