If you'd like dental implants to replace your missing teeth, our Richmond dentists may recommend that you have a bone graft. Bone grafting helps to strengthen and thicken the jaw to form a sturdy support for dental implants.
If you have missing teeth, dental implants can be an ideal way to restore the appearance and function of your smile.
That said, the dental implant process may not be as straight forward as you expect. For patients who have experienced damage to their jaw or deterioration of the jawbone, a bone graft may be required before the dental implants can be placed.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is used to strengthen and increase the volume of the jawbone in order to create a stable base for dental implants. When your dental surgeon does a bone graft, they will take material from another part of your body (or synthetic bone material) and surgically graft it onto your jaw bone.
Do I need a bone graft for my dental implant?
Your dentist will assess the condition of your mouth before recommending a bone graft. The overall condition of your jaw and the number of dental implants you need will dictate whether or not you will require bone grafting.
Two Types of Bone Grafts for Dental Implants.
Significant Bone Graft
In some cases a significant bone graft will be required, which can take up to nine months to heal before the dental implants can be placed.
Minor Bone Graft
Patients with less severe bone deterioration or damage may only require a minor bone graft. The primary benefit of a minor bone graft is that the graft can be performed at the same time as the dental implants are placed.
If you have missing teeth, dental implants may be a great way to restore your smile, but it's important to understand that they do require surgery and may not be the best option for you.
If you're interested in getting dental implants to restore the appearance and function of your smile, visit your Richmond dentist to find out if dental implants are right for you.
