When you are undergoing your evaluation for dental implant surgery, your dentist may find that you do not have adequate bone structure in your jaw to support dental implants. Bones need frequent stimulation in order to maintain a healthy size and density, and your jawbone is stimulated by the action of your teeth. If your jawbone has deteriorated past the point where it can support dental implants, your dentist may recommend a bone graft.
At Dentonics, we often find that patients with deteriorated jawbones would benefit from the bone-strengthening effects of dental implants, which is why we are committed to providing quality bone grafts for those patients. If you live in the Pittsburgh area and think dental implants might be right for you, call us at 412-487-6910 to schedule a consultation.
Do I Need a Bone Graft?
It is impossible to say for sure whether you need a bone graft until you undergo a thorough dental examination, including cone-beam CT scans that create a three-dimensional model of your facial bone structure. However, there are certain risk factors that can help determine whether you are likely to need a bone graft before you get dental implants.
You will probably need a bone graft if:
- You have had an adult tooth removed over two years ago
- You have a history of periodontal disease
- You have dentures or bridgework that are not secured by dental implants
- Your dentures or bridgework are looser than when you first got them
- You have teeth that are broken or misaligned
- You have a history of facial tumors
- You have suffered from osteomyelitis, a bacterial infection that affects the jaw
If any of these conditions apply to you, you may want to get examined for dental implants as soon as possible. Unstimulated jawbones are constantly deteriorating, so the sooner you try to fix it, the better.
How a Bone Graft Works
As the name suggests, a bone graft involves applying bone tissue to the points on your jaw that need to be able to support a dental implant. This tissue usually comes from another bone in your body, though bone given by donors or synthetic tissue are also possibilities. The bone will be placed in such a way that it thickens the jawbone, fills out tooth sockets, or strengthens the sinus walls, depending on where the dental implant will be located.
After being attached to your jaw, the bone will grow into the existing jawbone over a period of weeks or months, depending on the size of the graft. The bone will need to fully heal before your implant dentist can proceed with the next stages of dental implant surgery.
Pittsburgh’s Dental Implant Experts
The dental implant professionals at Dentonics have a long and proven record of excellence in providing our patients with the best solution to their dental issues. As one of the oldest dental practices in the Pittsburgh area, we carry on a legacy of excellence that continues today thanks to the efforts of our first-rate staff and dentists. When you choose Dentonics to handle your dental implants or any other procedure, you are choosing a dentist who will always act in your best interests.
For more information on dental implants, bone grafting procedures, and the tooth replacement procedure that will work best for you, schedule a consultation with our offices, serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Contact us today by calling 412-487-6910.
