A bone grafting procedure involves the restoration of lost jawbone, which is necessary before dental implant placement if the patient does not have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant long-term. This review discusses dental bone grafting for the purpose of restoring lost jawbone ahead of dental implant placement.
Not every dental implants patient requires bone grafting before the placement of dental implants. During a consultation visit with a licensed dental professional that offers implant treatment, they can assess the condition of your jawbone health through the use of dental x-rays to determine if a bone graft procedure is necessary.
A bone grafting procedure, specifically a dental bone graft used ahead of a scheduled dental implant placement procedure, involves grafting bone material to the area above or below a missing tooth (or missing teeth) to ensure there is enough healthy bone to adequately support the implant(s). The procedure is considered to be a form of minor surgery, but complications are rare and the procedure is considered safe with minimal risks.
Determining whether or not a bone graft procedure is necessary typically requires a professional evaluation of dental X-rays by a licensed dentist. In general, a bone graft is necessary before dental implant placement if a fair amount of jawbone has been lost either due to a more progressive form of periodontal disease (periodontitis) or atrophy that occurs after teeth loss. Not all dental implant patients require a bone graft procedure. Specifically, patients that have retained the majority of their natural jawbone after the loss of teeth are able to forego a bone graft procedure and proceed with the placement of dental implants.
As discussed, dental implants are permanently fixed inside of the jawbone, and each implant must go through a process that is known as osseointegration, in which the jawbone and implant fuse together. To ensure osseointegration and limit the risk of early implant failure, there must be an adequate level of healthy bone tissue inside of the jaw. A bone graft procedure helps ensure a long-term and stable positioning of the dental implants inside of the jaw.
Bone grafting is also safe and minimally invasive for patients. Although it is a form of oral surgery, the dental and surgical team can help ensure you have a good experience before and after the procedure. Due to effective and safe sedative options, patients do not feel anything in most cases during the procedure.
For a dental bone grafting procedure specifically, a piece of bone from another part of the patient’s jaw is taken and transplanted into the area it is needed (above or below one or more missing teeth). This type of bone graft is known as an autograft.
There are other ways of obtaining bone graft material that the dental professional may recommend as well. In some cases, particularly if the patient does not have enough healthy bone tissue in the chin or hard palate, then the donor tissue may be taken from the hip or shin.
Another type of bone graft is an allograft, which is donor bone tissue from another person. A xenograft may be available as well, which involves using donor tissue from an animal. All options are effective and safe.
The patient must take good care of their oral health after a bone graft procedure to avoid any setbacks in the recovery process. The length of recovery varies. The initial side effects (pain, inflammation, etc.) should go away within a month, but it typically takes at least three months for the jawbone to completely heal. After healing takes place, the dental implant placement procedure can be scheduled.
The best way to get started with dental implants is to schedule a visit with our dental team. We have experience assisting patients throughout the dental implant process, from determining if bone grafting is necessary during a consultation visit to ensuring our patients love their new smile long-term after the attachment of their permanent teeth replacement restoration. During your first visit, we can help you put together a treatment plan that is complementary to your treatment goals, preferences, and schedule.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Bone Grafting in Columbus, OH.
A gum graft procedure can be scary for many patients, but it is actually a relatively simple procedure that does not cause the patient too much discomfort. By having a better understanding of what to expect on the day of the operation, you can calm any nerves that exist before your gum graft procedure.Although each…
Dental sealants are an effective method to protect your smile from cavities and decay. They offer a barrier that shields your teeth from harmful bacteria and plaque. This preventive treatment can help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent more serious dental issues in the future.Dental sealants are thin and plastic coatings that dentists apply…
Daily oral hygiene habits should not be considered a substitute for the routine dental care that occurs during a dental checkup and cleaning. There are oral health concerns that a dentist will be able to proactively address during an office visit, but the equipment and tools used to care for both teeth and gums are…
It is well known that routine dental care is essential to the maintenance of a patient’s oral health, but the reasons why are not always as clear. Patients who have questions regarding dental care should consult with a dentist for help in understanding the importance of properly caring for their teeth.The following are common questions…
Dental sealants are an effective method to protect your smile from cavities and decay.
Daily oral hygiene habits should not be considered a substitute for the routine dental care…
It is well known that routine dental care is essential to the maintenance of a…
Most people understand the importance of regular medical screenings to prevent various illnesses, but many…
A routine dental care plan refers to oral hygiene that a patient performs at home…
Dental veneers are quick dental restorations that can renew your smile. Each shell can add…
