In most cases, gum disease is the culprit that decays teeth and causes the need for restorations such as dental implants.
Gum disease can cause so much damage to the teeth and jawbone that dental implants are no longer an option. At a general dentist, this might be the end of the line for your dental implant hopes. However, an oral surgeon can improve your candidacy for dental implants through a process known as a bone graft.
Bone Graft
When there isn’t enough jawbone left to support dental implants long-term, a bone graft can help provide additional bone mass to hold the implants firmly in place. After the graft has healed, you’ll be able to move forward with your dental implant procedure.
So what exactly does bone grafting entail?
Traditionally the process involves removing a piece of bone from another part of the patient’s jaw or body and transplanting it into the jawbone. After this process, it may take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support the actual placement of a dental implant.
Once the jawbone heals, the implant process moves forward. This starts with placing the titanium dental implant post into the jawbone. This stage also may take up to several months to heal.
Finally, once that healing is complete your doctor will place the abutment, an extension of the implant’s metal post, into the jaw. Again, time must be allowed for the soft tissue to heal. After healing, molds of the teeth and jawbone are taken, and the procedure of inserting the final tooth or teeth can take place.
While time-consuming, bone grafts can be an essential and necessary part of any implant process. After surgery, patients may experience typical discomfort, such as gum or skin swelling or bruising and minor bleeding, but these common side effects dissipate quickly.
Call the Dental Implant Center of PA to schedule a consultation.
