Thanks to advances in dental technology, there are multiple ways to replace missing teeth these days. They include the use of bridges, dentures and dental implants. Among these choices, there’s no disputing that implants provide the best treatment outcome. They are tops when it comes to strength, durability and appearance. In fact, implants nearly match natural teeth in these areas. It’s easy to see why the choice of implants among patients is booming. For the most part, being a good treatment candidate is simple. The number one challenge some people face is a lack of jawbone. Without dense, strong jawbone, there’s no way to securely anchor an implant. The good news is this issue can be resolved with a simple bone graft. Continue reading this informative blog post to learn more about bone grafting for implants.
No Jawbones About It
Like we said, before you can get an implant an adequate volume and density of jawbone must be present. The piece excerpted below will help you determine if this may be a concern for you.
If you wish to have dental implants but do not have enough density in your jawbone to support them, then bone grafts could be your solution.
Your dentist can use a CT scan to determine your bone height, shape and density. This is how we will evaluate whether you have experienced enough bone loss to require a grafting procedure.
There are several scenarios that can lead to bone loss, where a bone graft can help. These are the most common reasons for bone loss:
- Gum (periodontal) disease
- Osteoporosis
- Gingivitis
- Cancer
- Traumatic facial injury Read more at Nofrills Dental
Remember, you haven’t reached a dead end even if you have lost jawbone volume and density. Through bone grafting, the situation is reversible.
Understanding Bone Grafting
If you’re interested in medical science, you’ll find the linked article about bone grafting quite intriguing. The fact that it’s possible to repair your jawbone using material from your own body, among other means, is genius. Here is a detailed explanation of the procedure:
What exactly is a dental bone graft?
There are several ways dental bone grafting can be done, but the basic procedure is the same: A dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the jaw and grafts (attaches) other bone material to the jaw.
A dental bone graft is usually done if someone has lost one or more adult teeth or has gum disease. Both of these conditions can cause bone loss in the jaw.
The preferred approach for dental bone grafting is to use your own bone from the hip, tibia, or back of the jaw. This is known as an autograft. Autografts are usually the “gold standard,” since they increase bony support in the jaw and promote faster healing and new bone formation. Read more at Healthline
When the new bone has fused with the jaw and filled in the problem areas, you’ll be ready for implant surgery.
Various Grafting Procedures
Depending on the need you present with, your oral care provider will recommend a specific bone graft procedure. Here is a snapshot of the common ones:
What are the Different Levels of Bone Grafting?
There are several different types of bone grafting. The type of bone graft used depends on the extent of the damage you’re suffering from and the location of the lost tooth.
- Socket Grafts
A socket graft is ideally conducted immediately after a tooth is removed in order to conserve the alveolar ridge and stop any bone deterioration from occurring. Bone material is inserted into the vacant socket left by the displaced tooth…
- Block Bone Grafts
This type of bone graft typically uses human bone in the form of a small “block” taken from the patient’s chin or lower jaw near where they once had wisdom teeth…
- Sinus Lift Grafts
This bone grafting method is needed when a patient requires an implant in the upper jaw, since this area is not typically stable enough to hold a dental implant. If the maxillary sinus cavity is too close to where a dental implant is needed, a sinus lift graft is performed. Read more at Dr. Bryant DMD
To ensure that implants are an option for you, using bone grafting and more, rely on Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon Dr. William Campbell, the most trusted and skilled dental implant provider in the Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL metro region.
Contact Campbell Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center today to discuss your needs or set an appointment. Reach us by phone at 706-324-6106 or use the contact form on our website and we’ll get back with you. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
