Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the rotos of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t find elsewhere. To be a candidate for dental implants, some patients need preliminary procedures, like bone grafting, to prepare their mouth to support dental implants. Read on to learn more about bone grafting and why it is sometimes necessary.
How Does Tooth Loss Affect Bone Loss?
The root of the tooth stimulates the surrounding area of the jaw when you chew. This helps to keep the bone strong and healthy. However, when you lose a tooth, the jawbone is no longer stimulated in this area. Over time, the bone tissue will be reabsorbed by the body. As time goes on, more of the bone deteriorates. This can cause difficulties when it comes to eating and speaking. It can even affect the alignment of your surrounding teeth.
What Does Bone Grafting Look Like?
A bone graft works by transplanting bone tissue into your jaw. This bone can come from another part of the mouth, a different location of the body, or an animal donor. Sometimes, synthetic material can be used. Once this new piece of bone is placed in the correct area, it seals itself to the old bone tissue in the area that needs more tissue. This is a relatively minor procedure, and most patients who receive bone grafts report that their procedure was pain-free.
Why Do You Need Bone Grafting?
Needing bone grafting before dental implants is common. This technique is required if a patient doesn’t have enough healthy bone tissue in their mouth that can support dental implants. Much of the time, this is due to previous tooth loss, but it can also be caused by developmental defects, gum disease, and facial injuries.
How Happens After Bone Grafing?
After your bone grafting procedure, your dentist will prescribe you with antibiotics to prevent infection. If needed, you may also be given pain medication for the recovery period, but many patients are able to do well afterward with just routine antibiotics. After the bone graft has fused with the natural bone tissue in your mouth, your dentist will be able to place your implants. Depending on your unique case, this could take anywhere from three months to a year.
During your consultation with your dentist, they will examine your smile to see if bone grafting is right for you. This way, you can be ready to receive your replacement teeth. You will have a complete smile again in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, we have a team of four skilled oral surgeons serving patients in the Reston area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get all of their oral surgery needs under one roof. To learn more about bone grafting or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (703) 736-1640.