Is Bone Grafting Always Necessary Before Dental Implants?

Bone grafting is sometimes necessary for dental implants patients who have experienced bone loss inside of the jaw. It is beneficial to understand what a bone grafting procedure is and why a cosmetic dentist might recommend it to a patient. This information may help the patient to better determine whether or not the treatment is right for them. 

An overview of bone grafting before dental implants

While a bone grafting procedure may not be a desirable experience, it brings dental implant patients one step closer to their goal of improving their cosmetic imperfections. In this case, it would be tooth loss. The following is an overview of bone grafting, including what it is and when it is necessary before implants placement. 

What is bone grafting for dental implants?

Bone grafting for dental implants is a procedure performed to replace missing bone inside the jaw. The process involves placing bone taken from another area of the body or synthetic bone material, inside the jaw where the dental implants will be placed. It is a surgical process, which means there is a healing and recovery time required, although the discomfort is typically tolerable and most are able to make a full recovery within a few weeks. 

When is bone grafting necessary?

The main purpose of bone grafting before dental implant placement is to ensure there is enough healthy and strong existing bone inside the jaw to stabilize and support the implant long-term. One of the main purposes of the jawbone is to support the root of teeth. When teeth become lost, the bone begins to deteriorate, which can lead to a higher risk of implant failure, as well as a serious cosmetic imperfection. Therefore, bone grafting is necessary when there is not enough existing bone inside the jaw to appropriately support the dental implant. Aside from the support, cosmetic dentists often recommend a bone graft to improve the overall appearance of the jaw. 

When is bone grafting not necessary?

Not every dental implant patient requires a bone grafting procedure. In instances where the bone inside the jaw is still healthy and none or only a very small amount of bone has become lost, a bone grafting procedure is not likely necessary. In these cases, there may not be a cosmetic issue within the jaw quite yet, which is actually a good thing for the patient. 

The dentist will likely utilize several methods to determine if bone grafting is needed, one of the more popular being dental X-rays. 

What happens after bone grafting?

Bone grafting for dental implants precedes the implant placement procedure and happens in the early stages of the treatment process. In many instances, the dentist will determine if a bone grafting procedure is necessary during the initial consultation.

After bone grafting occurs and the patient makes a full recovery, the mouth is ready for the placement of the dental implants. Once the implant successfully fuses together with the jawbone, an additional visit is scheduled for the placement of the abutment and artificial tooth replacement. The final placement completes the cosmetic dental transformation. 

Learn more about the dental implants process

A cosmetic dentist can determine if bone grafting is necessary for dental implants placement early in the process. To make the first step in the dental implants process, give us a call today and schedule a time to come see us during an initial consultation. We can discuss treatment goals and determine if a bone grafting procedure is necessary. 

Are you considering dental implants in the Gainesville area? Get more information at https://gallodental.com.

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