Our dentists at Scott 72 Dental Centre, may be able to restore the appearance and function of your smile using dental implants. That said, if you lack healthy bone to support the implants, you may require a bone graft before implants can be placed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a natural looking way to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. Some other benefits of dental implants include helping to maintain facial structure, and preventing remaining teeth from becoming loose and shifting.
That said, getting dental implants may not be as straight forward as you believe. For patients who have suffered significant bone deterioration or bone loss, a bone graft may be required before implants can be placed.
Bone Grafting
The bone grafting procedure involves your dental surgeon 'grafting' material taken from another part of your body (or a synthetic bone material) onto the area of your jaw where the implants will be placed. Once the graft heals it helps to strengthen your existing jawbone in order to create a stable base for the implants.
If you are planning to replace missing teeth with dental implants, but your jaw bone isn't strong enough to support to the implants, you will require a bone graft before the dental implant process can get started.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Factors that determine whether you will require a bone graft before dental implants are placed include, the number of dental implants you require, and the overall condition of your jaw bone.
If you would like dental implants, visit your dentist at Scott 72 Dental Centre for a consultation, to discuss whether you will require a bone graft.
Two Types of Bone Grafts
In order to help support dental implants, your dentist may recommend one of two different types of bone grafting procedures.
Minor Bone Graft - Patients with less severe bone deterioration may be able to have a minor bone graft. A minor bone graft can be performed at the same time as the implant is being surgically placed.
Significant Bone Graft - More severe bone deterioration will require a significant bone graft. This type of bone graft may take up to nine months to heal before the dental implant process can begin.
Dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement option for you if you have experienced significant bone deterioration, or injury to your jaw. Contact your dentist to find out more about other tooth replacement options that may be right for you.