Tooth loss is a common issue that affects millions of Americans throughout the country. Fortunately, losing a tooth doesn’t mean you need to go the rest of your life with a gap in your smile. Dental implants are a preferred tooth replacement option because of their numerous benefits. However, some patients need a bone graft before they can have dental implants placed. Continue reading to learn from your dental specialist in Prosper about why this is sometimes necessary.
Why Does Missing Teeth Cause Bone Loss?
The root of your tooth stimulates your jaw whenever you chew to keep it strong and healthy. However, when you’re missing teeth, your jawbone isn’t receiving this stimulation. Over time, the bone tissue begins to be reabsorbed by your body. As time goes on, more bone deteriorates. This can cause difficulties when it comes to eating and speaking. It can even affect the alignment of your natural teeth.
What Is Bone Grafting?
A bone graft works by placing existing bone tissue into the jaw. This bone can come from another part of the mouth, a different area of the jawbone, or by a human or animal donor. Sometimes, synthetic material is used. Once this new piece of bone is placed in the correct area, it will bond itself to the preexisting bone by creating new cells around the grafted material. In the end, you will build up additional bone tissue in the areas that need it. This is a relatively minor procedure and patients are typically sedated throughout the process. Most who receive bone grafts report the experience was pain-free!
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?
Needing a bone graft before getting dental implants is fairly common. This technique is required when a patient doesn’t have enough healthy bone tissue in their mouth that is capable of supporting dental implants. Oftentimes, this is a result of previous tooth loss, but it can also be caused by developmental defects, periodontal disease, and facial injuries.
What Happens After My Bone Graft?
After the bone graft procedure is complete, your dentist will prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection. If deemed necessary, you may also be given pain medication for the recovery period, but many patients are able to do great afterward with just the antibiotics. Once the bone graft fuses with the natural bone in the mouth, your dentist will be able to place your implants. Depending on your case, this could take anywhere from 3-12 months. It all depends on how substantial your bone loss is.
A bone graft may sound scary, but it is a very common procedure needed before implant placement surgery. During your initial consultation, it will be determined whether one is necessary for you. You’ll be on a path towards a straighter smile in no time!
About the Practice
At Texas Dental Surgery, we help make the process of complex dental work nice and simple for you. We have three highly trained dental specialists – a periodontist, an oral surgeon, as well as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon – practicing in a state-of-the-art facility. IV sedation is available for procedures, plus non-opioid pain meds are an option after surgery. If you need a bone graft before getting dental implants, our dental specialist can go over everything with you during a consultation. You can schedule one on our website or by calling (469) 296-8680.