Our dentists at Guildford Smiles Dentistry, often restore the appearance and function of our patients' smiles using dental implants. However, patients who lack healthy bone to support the implants, will require a bone graft before implants can be placed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a natural looking way to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. Other benefits of dental implants include preventing other teeth from becoming loose and shifting, and helping to maintain facial structure.
That said, getting dental implants may not be as straight forward as you believe. If you have suffered significant bone deterioration or bone loss, you may require a bone graft before implants can be placed.
Bone Grafting
During the bone grafting procedure, your dental surgeon will 'graft' material taken from another part of your body (or a synthetic bone material) onto the area of your jaw where the implants will be placed. As the graft heals it helps to strengthen your existing jawbone in order to create a stable base for the dental implants.
If you would like to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, but your jaw bone isn't strong enough to support to the implants, you will require a bone graft before the dental implant process can begin.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
The number of dental implants you require, and the overall condition of your jaw bone will determine whether or not you will require a bone graft to support the implants.
If you would like dental implants, visit your dentist for a consultation to discuss whether you will need a bone graft.
Types of Bone Grafting
There are two types of bone grafts that can be done in order to help support dental implants.
Significant Bone Graft
More severe bone deterioration will require a significant bone graft. This type of bone graft may take up to nine months to heal before the dental implant process can get started.
Minor Bone Graft
Those patients with less severe bone deterioration may be able to have a minor bone graft. A minor bone graft can be performed at the same time as the implant is being surgically placed in the jaw.
Dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement option for you if you have experienced significant bone deterioration, or injury to your jaw. Contact your dentist to find out more about other tooth replacement options that may be right for you.