When you are supposed to have a dental implant, one of the basic things a dentist would see is the health of your jawbone. An implant may not be possible if your jaw is too thin or your bones are too weak. That is when one would require bone grafting near you. But what exactly is bone grafting, and why is it important for dental implants? Let’s find out!
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a medical procedure that assists in the regeneration of bone in the jaw. The process involves taking bone from another part of the body or using bone-like material to add extra support where the bone is weak or missing.
In dental care, once a tooth is lost, the bone that is used to support that tooth can begin to shrink or weaken with time. Bone grafting aids in reconstructing this bone, which is necessary for placing a dental implant.
Why is Bone Grafting Important for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are like roots for the artificial teeth. These can be placed into the jaw bone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Just like real teeth, dental implants need a strong foundation to stay in place. Bone grafting helps to:
- Supports Dental Implants: A strong foundation is crucial for dental implants in Gibsonton to be successful. If there’s not enough bone to anchor the implant, it may become loose. Bone grafting adds the bone needed to achieve a stable environment for the implant.
- Improves Dental Health: Bone grafting helps maintain the shape of the jaw. When the teeth are missing, the bone can start to shrink, changing the shape of the face. Grafting helps keep the bone healthy and assists in keeping the jaw in its proper shape.
- Increases Success Rate: Most studies find that implants are more successful if there has been a bone graft done first. This is because the added bone presents a better environment for the healing and bonding of the implant into the existing bone.
- Reduces Complications: The presence of inadequate bone tissue may lead to complications during or after dental implant surgery. By performing bone grafting first, dentists can reduce the risks of complications, making the whole process safe for patients.
- Strengthens the Jawbone: Bone grafting helps create a stronger foundation for the implant, allowing it to securely fuse with the jawbone.
- Prevents Further Bone Loss: Bone grafting prevents the jawbone from shrinking or losing its shape over time, which may occur when there are missing teeth. It helps in maintaining the bone’s density and structure, keeping your jaw healthy.
Bone Grafting Procedure
The bone grafting procedure usually takes place in a dental clinic. Here’s what generally happens:
- Assessment: The dentist will first take X-rays to see how much bone is there and decide the right way to perform the graft.
- Anesthesia: Before starting, the dentist is going to numb the area so that the patient will not feel pain.
- Grafting: The dentist will place graft material into the bone region that is missing. In some cases, it can be either from the patient’s own body or other sources.
- Healing: Sometimes after putting in this graft, the healing period gets started, wherein the body tends to grow some new bones. This could take a few months.
- Implant Placement: Once enough bone has formed, the dentist can then place the dental implant.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
The healing time for bone grafting varies. Some people heal within a few months, while others take up to 9 months or more to completely heal after the procedure. This period is the time when the bone becomes stronger and will hold the dental implant firmly.
Is Bone Grafting Safe?
Yes, bone grafting is a safe procedure. However, like any surgery, there are some risks involved, such as infection or issues with the graft not healing properly. Your dentist will explain the process in detail and help you understand how to care for the area after surgery to reduce these risks.
Key Takeaway
Bone grafting might seem to be a complicated process, however, it is an important procedure which helps many people to avail the benefits of dental implants. If you have more questions about bone grafting, oral surgery in Gibsonton, or dental implants, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist!
Strengthen Your Jaw With Bone Grafting Today!
Do you want to strengthen your jaws? Orange Blossom Oral Surgery offers effective bone grafting procedures. Our dentist near you can help you rebuild your bone structure and have better dental implants to chew and smile healthily with the right dental treatment. Schedule a consultation today, and we will discuss the most ideal dental treatment options for you.
