If you’re going to build a house, what is the first thing you do? Probably make sure it has a strong foundation to support the rest of the structure. For dental implants, your jawbone is the foundation, and your new teeth are the house. While some patients with missing teeth are able to undergo dental implant surgery after just an exam, others may require a bone graft first to ensure their new smile remains stable, functional, and healthy for decades to come. When is this procedure necessary, and more importantly, will you need it?
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: A Brief Overview
When teeth have been missing for an extended period, the jawbone can shrink and weaken from lack of stimulation. In these cases, a preliminary bone graft can restore the necessary strength and thickness to ensure successful future implant placement.
During your dental implant consultation, your oral surgeon might suggest bone grafting, either at the time of tooth extraction or to rebuild areas with inadequate bone.
Several grafting techniques are available, and your surgeon will review the most suitable approach during your first visit. Using advanced cone beam CT imaging, they can precisely assess your bone structure and determine whether grafting is needed before moving forward with implants.
How Long Does Bone Grafting Take?
While the bone grafting procedure can usually be completed in a single appointment, it may take several months for the body to create new, healthy tissue in the area. Everyone responds to the treatment differently, but following your surgeon’s post-op instructions will ensure the recovery period is as short as possible.
Is a Bone Graft Really Necessary?
If your oral surgeon recommends a bone graft, then they likely believe it’s essential for the long-term success of your implants. Otherwise, your new teeth might not have enough bone to remain stable, which can ultimately lead to implant failure.
While it takes a little time, a matter of months is just a drop in the bucket compared to the decades of confident smiles, secure bites, and clear speech implants can provide. Better yet, fortifying the jawbone can also support nearby teeth and reduce your risk for future tooth loss, meaning it not only serves your prosthetic teeth, but your natural ones as well.
In the end, a bone graft offers peace of mind that the investment you’re making in your oral health will stand the test of time, giving you all the more reason to look forward to the future.
About the Practice
At Conestoga Oral Surgery, our highly trained oral surgeons have been serving the Lancaster community for over 40 years. Our team has literally placed thousands of dental implants and performed countless bone graft procedures, giving our patients full and healthy smiles they still enjoy to this day.
Ready to do something about your tooth loss? To schedule a consultation with our team and explore your options, visit our website or call (717) 219-4460.