Restore Your Jawbone Health and Prepare for Dental Implants
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it begins to undergo resorption. Without the pressure from chewing, the bone lacks the stimulation it needs to regenerate, leading to bone loss over time. This is a natural process that starts soon after tooth loss.
Within a year, patients can lose up to 25% of the bone width in the area where the tooth was. This rapid bone loss highlights the importance of addressing tooth replacement quickly. Dental implants, which mimic the natural tooth root, help prevent further bone loss by reintroducing pressure to the jaw. However, if significant bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting may be needed to provide a stable foundation for the implant.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to replace missing bone in the jaw that results from tooth loss. It is typically performed before the placement of dental implants, providing the necessary support for the implant to integrate properly with the jaw.
Bone grafting has evolved significantly with advancements in dental technology, allowing patients who once weren’t candidates for implants due to bone loss to now have the opportunity for a permanent, functional smile. In the past, those with significant bone loss were often limited to less ideal solutions like dentures or bridges. Today, bone grafting opens the door for many patients to enjoy the benefits of dental implants.
Bone Grafting Treatment Process
The specifics of a bone grafting procedure depend on the patient’s unique needs, including the area to be grafted and the amount of time since the tooth loss. In some cases, the grafting procedure can take place immediately after a tooth extraction.
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the bone. The grafting material, which can come from the patient’s own bone, donor bone, or synthetic material, is placed in the area. This material serves as a temporary foundation to encourage the patient’s natural bone to regrow into the grafted space.
If the patient’s own bone is used, it’s typically harvested from another part of the jaw. After the graft material is placed, a collagen membrane is often applied to protect the graft, and the gums are sutured closed. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen. Depending on your case, we may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Healing time can vary, but it usually takes several months for the bone to regenerate sufficiently to support an implant.
Schedule Today!
If you’re ready to restore your smile and prevent further bone loss, bone grafting could be the solution. Contact us today to learn more about how this procedure can prepare your jaw for a dental implant. Schedule your consultation and start the journey toward a healthier, more radiant smile!