Why Do I Need a Bone Graft Before I Can Get an Implant?
To replace missing teeth, you have no shortage of options, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Each procedure has its own requirements. For example, you need ample jawbone to get a dental implant.
Unfortunately, tooth loss and other conditions can lead to jawbone atrophy. When your jawbone deteriorates, you lack sufficient bone volume for implant placement. That’s where a bone graft comes in.
During a bone graft, bone material 一 options include your own bone, donor bone, and synthetic bone material 一 is placed in your jaw before your implant insertion.
But how do you know if you need a bone graft before implant surgery? Dr. David Blaustein and our team here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in New York City have the answer.
Here are four reasons you might need a bone graft before getting a dental implant:
1. Bone graft provides enhanced stability
A dental implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. The implant is titanium, a biocompatible material that creates a solid foundation for replacement teeth. Without enough jawbone, though, your implant can’t complete the process of osseointegration.
A bone graft helps rebuild and strengthen your jawbone to ensure a long-lasting bond with your implant.
2. Bone graft preserves your facial structure
Your jawbone is essential to maintaining the shape of your face. If your jawbone atrophies, you may develop a sunken appearance. By grafting bone material into bone-deficient areas, Dr. Blaustein restores your facial aesthetics and prevents future bone loss.
3. Bone graft increases the success rate of your implant
Dental implant surgery is safe, effective, and usually highly successful, but dental implants can fail. Infections, diabetes complications, and an inadequate jawbone are three factors that can increase your risk of failure.
You can reduce your risk of implant failure by:
- Following all post-op instructions
- Managing any underlying health conditions, including diabetes
- Undergoing anti-infective therapy, especially if you have diabetes
- Receiving a bone graft to address low bone volume
A bone graft can play a big role in the success of your implant by providing a suitable environment for osseointegration.
4. Bone graft gives you viable treatment option
Bone grafting opens up possibilities for patients initially deemed ineligible for dental implants due to inadequate bone volume. With the added bone support, implant placement becomes a viable treatment option.
Thinking about dental implants? Let us know!
When you’re ready to start your implant journey, schedule a consultation at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics. During your visit, Dr. Blaustein conducts a thorough examination and determines whether you need bone grafting and the most suitable technique if you do.
Call our Manhattan office at 917-200-0219 or request your appointment online today.