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Is a Bone Graft Necessary Before Receiving Dental Implants?

Is a Bone Graft Necessary Before Receiving Dental Implants?

When living with one or more missing teeth, you will quickly notice that your self-esteem is not the only thing that suffers. From a change in your bite to additional bone and tooth loss, you may wonder if dental implants are a viable way to restore your smile. The reality is that for many people suffering from bone resorption as a result of missing teeth, a bone graft in Marysville is necessary before moving forward with implant placement. A local dentist explains why this type of invasive procedure must be performed and how a dental professional can decide if it is right for you.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is an oral procedure that is most commonly used when a patient has insufficient bone density for dental implant placement. It is designed to repair and rebuild the weakened areas by using bone tissue. When put into place, it can encourage and strengthen the existing bone, effectively building a strong, stable foundation for the titanium implant posts.

When is It Necessary?

Although inadequate bone is commonly caused by vacated sockets left behind by teeth that have fallen out over time, there are other reasons why an individual’s jawbone is not as strong as it once was. These include:

  • Gum disease
  • Facial trauma or injury
  • A developmental defect that occurred at birth or as a child

Typically, when a tooth is missing, the bone will deteriorate more and more with each passing day. It is not uncommon for a dentist to recommend a bone graft before having dental implants put into place, as this will create the strongest, most durable foundation possible.

How Does a Bone Graft Work?

A bone graft requires the dentist to administer anesthesia and/or sedation to keep the patient calm and at ease throughout the procedure. When beginning the process, a dental professional will extract bone tissue from another part of the individual’s body and place it into the area of the missing tooth. (known as a socket graft). Once the gum tissue is closed, patients are required to spend an estimated 4-6 months recovering at home.

Other types of bone grafts can be performed to give a person a better chance to receive dental implants in Marysville. These include:

Lateral Ridge Preservation Graft: This is performed to increase the width of the jawbone.

Block Bone Graft: If there are substantial defects within the jawbone, a dentist will extract bone from the back of the jaw and secure it into its new located with titanium screws.

Sinus Lift: If dental implants are to be placed toward the back of the upper arch, near the sinus cavity, a dentist will lift the sinuses and insert additional bone minerals to encourage growth into the floor of the sinuses.

A dental professional can recommend the best type of bone graft for your individual needs. No matter which one you require, you can trust that this procedure will provide the foundation you need for successful implant placement in the future.

About the Author

Dr. John Ludu is a dental expert with decades of experience, and over the past 20 years, he has spent time learning more about implantology and helping patients achieve a fully restored smile with the help of titanium posts that mimic the natural tooth structure. Because many patients first require additional dental work to increase their jawbone density, he and the team at Allen Creek Family Dentistry can perform a bone graft. If you or a loved one want to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, contact us via our website or by calling (360) 651-2900.

Location

6618 64th St. NE, Suite C, Marysville, WA 98270

Office Hours

MON 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

TUE 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

WED 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

THU 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

FRI 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: allencreekdentistry@gmail.com

Phone: (360) 651-2900