Dental implants are the most common type of tooth replacement option due to their permanency and their ability to restore a patient’s natural smile and appearance. However, sometimes the procedure cannot be performed on its own. Dental implants require a firm foundation and enough bone mass. The patient also needs a sufficient jawbone to support the implants and allow for the successful integration of the dental implant. When a patient doesn’t have sufficient bone support for the implants, a bone graft is necessary to create the needed support.
Needing a procedure to help address issues with your oral health can be intimidating. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we will be with you from the beginning to the end, ensuring that you have what you need to be active throughout the entire process. Find dedicated and unmatched oral help by contacting Union City Oral Surgery Group today.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a dental procedure that adds extra tissue to strengthen the area around the needed dental implant. The bone graft material can be synthetic, a bone from another area of your body, or a bone from a donor. Once the bone graft is in place, the body can begin to integrate the graft into the area and restore the density of the weakened bone.
Why Does Bone Density Matter for Dental Implants?
A dental implant recreates the entire tooth structure, including the tooth’s root. For the procedure to be successful, there needs to be a strong foundation to hold the implant in place. Otherwise, it won’t be structurally sound and the implant could fall out. Once the jawbone is healed and has its structural integrity restored, an implant can stay in place for a lifetime.
Do All Dental Implants Require Bone Grafting?
No, not all dental implant procedures require bone grafting. If the jawbone and the surrounding area are strong enough to support the implant on their own, there’s no need for a bone graft. However, several conditions might make it necessary to get a bone graft before proceeding with the dental implant, including:
Significant Bone Loss
If a patient delays replacing a missing tooth for too long, the jawbone shrinks or collapses due to lack of stimulation. Like muscles, bones require regular stimulation to remain strong and healthy. Jawbone stimulation occurs whenever the teeth are used to bite and chew food. Without that stimulation, the jawbone starts to deteriorate, making it necessary to have a bone graft done before the implant is placed. Dental implants mimic the same amount of stimulation of a natural tooth, helping to keep the jawbone healthy.
Advanced Gum Disease and Injury
Patients suffering from severe gum diseases or injury to the gums will also have their jawbone shrink or collapse. Therefore, a bone graft is necessary to recreate mass and strengthen the jawbone.
Location
Some areas of the jaw are more likely to have insufficient bone tissue than others. In this case, the lack of foundation is due to the area needing an implant, not because of diseases or a missing tooth. For instance, near the bottom of the upper sinus is hollow, which means the surrounding bone tissue may not have enough density to support a dental implant without a bone graft.
Need Dental Care? Contact Our Experienced Oral Specialists
Whether or not you need a bone graft before a dental implant heavily depends on the conditions of your jawbone. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we know that each patient is different and requires unique and customized care. When you choose us for your oral surgery needs, you can be confident that you are in the best hands possible.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we are committed to being with our patients before, during, and after their surgical procedures. Needing oral surgery can be intimidating, but our team will be there every step of the way to give you the confidence you need to take charge of your oral health. Contact our office today by completing our contact form or by calling (201) 601-9262.
