Bone Grafts Before Dental Implants: What You Need to Know
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting for dental implants is a normal and pain-free treatment option that becomes necessary when a patient lacks the healthy bone structure needed to perform a successful dental implant surgery.
Factors that may make bone grafting the right choice include advanced tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma to the face. The procedure itself involves the transfer of bone tissue to reinforce weak spots in its structure. Transplanting healthy bone tissue helps create a stronger overall structure that can more reliably support a dental implant.
Why Might I Need Bone Grafts?
Anyone who has experienced tooth loss may need bone grafts to restore the oral structure. The type of bone usually endangered by tooth loss is the alveolar bone, which works to support your teeth and hold them in place.
When there is damage to the tooth, the alveolar bone in the area begins to atrophy from lack of use. Even more concerning, alveolar bone structure interacts directly with the jaw bone, meaning an extended period with tooth loss can lead to atrophy in the jaw bone as well.
The fact is that every day a tooth is damaged or missing, bone loss takes a toll. Bone grafting is the most effective way of reversing this damage so that implants can bond with the underlying bone, creating a usable placement area for the crown that restores the look of the tooth.
Do Bone Grafts Hurt?
Bone grafts performed at Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants are painless outpatient procedures during which the patient is typically sedated. A bone graft is simply the first part of the process of restoring your tooth.
The healing process involves little to no discomfort, and once the graft is completely stabilized, you’ll be ready to make an appointment for your new crown or implant. After the surgery, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection, and particularly sensitive patients can obtain a prescription for pain medication as well.
How Long Does a Bone Graft Take to Heal?
Every mouth is different, so pinning down an exact timeframe for healing can be difficult to impossible. A bone graft needs time to fuse with the existing bone structure over time, and regular check-ups can help chart your progress after the procedure. Healing can take up to 12 months in most patients, and once the structure is stable, you’ll be ready for the next step.
A bone graft is a relatively routine procedure, but only a professional can determine if it is the right treatment option for you. Contact Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today for a no-hassle consultation on your individual oral surgery needs.