Dental implants offer a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.
But what happens if your jawbone doesn’t have enough volume or density to support an implant? This is where bone grafting comes in.
What is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds bone tissue to your jaw. This additional bone can come from your own body (autogenous graft), a donor (allograft), or a synthetic material (xenograft).
The grafted bone helps regenerate and strengthen your jawbone, creating a suitable foundation for dental implant placement.
Do I Need a Bone Graft for a Dental Implant?
Several factors can determine whether you’ll need a bone graft before getting dental implants:
- Bone Loss: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw over time. If the remaining bone isn’t sufficient to support the implant, a graft might be necessary.
- Implant Placement: The location of the implant can also influence the need for a bone graft. Certain areas of the jaw naturally have less bone density.
- Jawbone Health: Underlying health conditions like osteoporosis can affect jawbone strength and may necessitate a bone graft.
The decision of whether you need a bone graft will be made by a qualified dentist following a thorough examination, including X-rays or CT scans to assess your jawbone health and density.
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Benefits of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants:
- Increased Implant Success Rates: A strong and healthy jawbone provides a stable base for implants, improving their success rate and long-term stability.
- Improved Aesthetics: Bone grafting can help restore facial contours and prevent a sunken appearance that can occur with bone loss.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Proper jawbone support for implants promotes better functionality and chewing efficiency.
Bone Grafting procedure:
The specific bone grafting procedure will vary depending on your individual needs and the type of graft used. Generally, it’s an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia or sedation.
Healing time after bone grafting can take several months before proceeding with implant placement.
Considering Dental Implants in Fort Mill?
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth but have concerns about your jawbone health, schedule a consultation with a qualified dentist at Mundo Dentistry.
They will assess your situation, discuss treatment options, including the possibility of bone grafting, and develop a personalized plan to achieve your desired smile goals.
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