If you are considering getting dental implants, you are on your way to restoring your smile. Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, so one of our San Diego patients asks at Affordable Dental Implants san Diego whether they will need a bone graft before the procedure.
You should visit our dental office for an examination and X-rays so that we can determine your health and answer this question. Contact us at 858-566-0842 to schedule an appointment. Meanwhile, here are answers to common questions about bone grafting.
What is bone grafting augmentation?
Bone augmentation is a procedure designed to increase the density and strength of your jawbone by augmenting or building bone.
Why does the jawbone lose density during Bone Grafting?
Resorption is typically to blame. After losing a tooth, the bone density in that area can drop by up to 25% within the first year. The process only continues afterwards. The reason is that teeth and roots stimulate the jawbone and that stimulation signals to the brain that the jaw is doing its job.
The stimulation is reduced or eliminated in the absence of teeth. This causes the body to begin depleting calcium from the jaw. When you know that you are about to lose teeth, schedule an appointment immediately since there are procedures that may prevent or limit resorption.
The loss of bone density can also be caused by periodontal disease (gum disease), developmental defects, injury or decay, and infections. The prevention of these risks can be achieved by visiting the dentist regularly.
When is bone grafting necessary for dental implants?
It is possible that your jawbone is not thick enough for an implant if you have lost bone density. Implants are replacement teeth that are placed surgically under your gums and attached to your jawbone by a titanium post.
Your jawbone needs to be sufficiently dense to support the post. Just like if you were building a piece of furniture. The wood needs to be thick enough to hold the screw. Otherwise, it cannot be screwed in all the way. Bone grafting can increase the density of your jawbone, making it possible for your titanium post to sit perfectly.
What kind of bone is used for bone grafting?
Processed bone can be used as well as your own bone. Moreover, some newer technologies can use cells to transform into bone without needing any bone. The technology is, however, new and may not be useful to all patients.
How does Bone Grafting work before the procedure?
For the dentist and surgeon to create a plan for augmenting your bone, images must be taken. In most cases, a CT scan will be used. Additionally, you will have to decide whether you want to use processed bone or to have bone taken from another part of your body.
How is the bone grafting process done?
During this procedure, you will likely be put to sleep. Whatever the case, anaesthesia will be administered to numb the area. The same applies to areas from which bone is removed, such as your gums.
An incision is made in your gum tissue to reveal your bone, and a flap is created. Identifying the amount of bone needed allows the surgeon to prepare for the surgery.
An incision will allow the bone to be extracted if it is taken from elsewhere. Grafting material will be placed where the bone once was, and the area will be stitched up.
The new bone is then attached to your jawbone using a titanium screw. Other grafting materials may surround the new block of bone. In addition, membrane material may be placed around the bone graft. The area will be stitched shut after that.
How long will it take me to heal after bone grafting?
After a bone graft procedure, you will feel very sore for a couple of days. You should consume ibuprofen and apply ice packs for fifteen minutes to treat this. You will also be prescribed antibiotics and want to use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection. In the weeks following surgery, you must avoid putting pressure on the area and be careful with what you eat.
Usually, the process takes six to nine months to be completed. This is because your body will be fusing the bone that is added from somewhere else in your body with the bone that is added from the graft. It is naturally a slower process. However, once it is complete, your dental implants can be placed and should be more secure.
Is Bone Grafting a common procedure in dentistry?
Certain dentists can only perform a highly specialized procedure. For this reason, you might visit one dentist for bone grafting and another for dental implants.
What are the alternatives to bone grafting?
Definitely. Some dentists offer mini implants. Some people may not be good candidates for mini implants. However, they may be an option if your jawbone density is low and you don’t want to undergo a bone graft. As they are shorter and wider, these implants are an alternative for patients suffering from resorption.
Schedule a consultation
Call our dental office at 858-566-0842 to schedule an appointment to find out if you need a bone grafting procedure. Dr Cortes, located in Mira Mesa, San Diego, CA, can take X-rays and tell you if your bone is lacking in density. Afterwards, we will make a treatment recommendation and determine whether a specialist is necessary.