Why Do I Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant is an excellent solution to rebuild your smile. As the only treatment to replicate the entire structure of a tooth, you’ll enjoy unmatched benefits that aren’t possible using any other option. Although you’re excited to enjoy a complete smile, your dentist has informed you that you’ll need a bone graft before moving forward. There isn’t any reason to be alarmed. While it adds another step to your plan, it’s essential to ensure the long-term success of your new smile, and here’s why.

Why is a Bone Graft Necessary?

Every tooth is crucial to the health of your smile. Losing even a single tooth causes your jaw’s density to diminish because it isn’t being stimulated by the root. You can lose as much as 25% of your bone density within the first year of having a missing tooth. The more bone you lose, the higher your risk of oral health problems, like cavities, gum disease, and additional missing teeth.

A dental implant can stop bone loss because it recreates the root of a tooth. Unfortunately, if you’ve lost too much bone in your jaw, you won’t be a candidate for a dental implant because it won’t have the foundation it needs.

Bone grafting will repair the weakened areas to ensure your jaw can support your dental implant. Although bone grafting and dental implants often go hand-in-hand, the additional procedure isn’t always necessary. Your dentist will review a CT scan of your jaw during your consultation to determine whether you need bone grafting.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure that uses bone taken from another area or a donor and transplants it to the weakened site. While under sedation or anesthesia, your dentist opens your gum tissue to expose the jawbone. They’ll place the graft on the treatment location and suture your gum tissue closed. Over the next several weeks, your bone will integrate with the graft, enhancing the thickness of your jaw. After you’ve healed, you can move forward with your dental implant procedure to restore your smile.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

A dental implant is unlike any other prosthetic because it mimics the tooth from the root up. A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a root. It will encourage new bone growth, allowing your jaw to fuse to it. The success of this process, known as osseointegration, relies on a strong, healthy jawbone. Once you’ve healed from your placement surgery, an abutment is attached to the post to connect your restoration.

Rebuild Your Smile Today

Bone grafting before your implant placement procedure will give your new smile the healthy foundation it needs to thrive. It’s time well-spent to permanently replace your missing teeth.

About Dr. David Earnest

Dr. Earnest earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He has completed advanced training in implant dentistry to treat tooth loss. If you’re interested in dental implants, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.