Why Do I Need a Dental Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the name of the game! These awesome little implants are very effective when it comes to replicating the look, feel, and functionality of your missing teeth. You won’t even be able to tell the difference! However, in some cases a dental bone graft is necessary prior to receiving dental implants. If your dentist has informed you that you’ll need a dental bone graft before getting implants, you have nothing to worry about. Here’s everything you need to know about the process and why it’s sometimes necessary.

Why Are Dental Bone Grafts Necessary?

A dental bone graft is sometimes necessary for patients who need dental implants but don’t have a jawbone capable of supporting them. Since dental implants replace missing teeth in terms of looks and functionality, your jaw must be strong enough to support the constant motion of chewing, biting, talking, and so on. If there isn’t enough bone to support the implants, they will fail! Sometimes dental bone grafts can also be a viable solution for treating gum disease, as severe gum disease can cause massive bone loss. Bone grafting is also ideal for addressing bone loss that results from developmental defects as well as facial injury or trauma.

How Do Dental Bone Grafts Work?

The process involves your dentist borrowing bone from another part of your body—usually somewhere in your mouth—and using it to enhance and fortify existing bone matter in your jaw. These surgical procedures also aren’t painful, as the patient is typically sedated throughout the process. By borrowing and transplanting this healthy bone tissue, your dentist can recreate bone and supporting tissue in areas where it’s missing.

The most common type of bone graft is a socket graft, which is meant to prevent bone atrophy as well as the collapse of the socket. Lateral ridge preservation grafts can also be used to increase the width of the jawbone to accommodate dental implants. Block bone grafts are necessary when there are large defects in the jawbone. Finally, sinus lift procedures are used when patients need implants in the upper jaw, which is typically not stable enough to hold the implants on its own.  After your bone graft, you’ll have to wait for the new bone to fuse with your natural bones before you can receive dental implants—this process can sometimes take several months.

If you need a dental bone graft before receiving implants, don’t fret! This procedure will help to ensure the success of your implants once you receive them! Not only that’s; it’s simply a great treatment option for addressing many different issues that stem from insufficient jawbone density.

About the Practice

Blue Coast Dental proudly serves patients and families in the Torrance area under the leadership of four incredibly skilled specialists: Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, Dr. Maria Galvan, and Dr. Pedram Marhabi! Together they combine several years of experience and expertise to provide an elite level of dental care for everyone they treat! Their practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services including dental implants! To schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or give them a call at (310) 424-3100.