Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you feel embarrassed to smile because of gaps in your mouth? Dental implants might be the perfect solution for you! Not only do they give a natural look, but they also provide the necessary support and stability for chewing. However, some patients require bone grafting before undergoing dental implant surgery.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that provide support for a dental prosthesis, such as a crown or bridge. They offer an effective and long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth. The implant itself consists of three parts: the implant post, abutment, and prosthetic tooth.
The implant post is made of titanium or another biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone over time through osseointegration. This process allows the implant to become a permanent part of your mouth and provides stability for the replacement tooth.
The abutment connects the prosthetic tooth to the implant post. It protrudes from the gum line and serves as an anchor for the artificial tooth.
A prosthetic tooth can be attached to the abutment in several ways, including screws or adhesives. Depending on how many teeth you need to be replaced, you may require multiple implants throughout your jawbone.
Dental implants give patients a natural-looking smile while improving chewing function and overall oral health.
The Bone Grafting Process
The bone grafting process is an important step toward getting dental implants. It involves taking bone from another part of your body or using synthetic material and placing it in the area where you need a tooth implant. The ultimate aim is to create an adequate base for the implant that will support its weight and function.
To begin with, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine if a bone graft is necessary. They may take X-rays or use other imaging techniques to assess the quality and quantity of your jawbone.
Once they decide on a bone graft, you'll undergo surgery under local anesthesia. During the procedure, they'll make an incision in your gums and place the additional bone material into the area requiring augmentation. Your dentist will then stitch up the incision site and wait for several months until new healthy tissue has grown around it.
After this healing period, your dentist can proceed with inserting dental implants on top of this new augmented foundation.
Although undergoing a bone grafting process might seem daunting at first, it's worth considering since successful dental implants depend heavily on having strong underlying bones as their support structure.
Why You Might Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants
When considering dental implants, it's important to understand why a bone graft might be necessary. A bone graft is often recommended when there isn't enough healthy bone in the jaw to support an implant.
This can happen for various reasons, such as tooth loss due to injury or decay, gum disease, or simply natural aging of the jawbone. Without sufficient bone density and volume, an implant won't have the structural support needed to remain stable and functional over time.
In some cases, a patient may have had missing teeth for several years before considering implants. During this time, their jawbone may have already started deteriorating due to lack of stimulation from chewing and biting forces that normally keep bones healthy.
Additionally, patients who have undergone radiation therapy in the head or neck area may also require a bone graft since radiation can damage both soft tissue and underlying bone structures.
If you're considering dental implants but don't have adequate jawbone density or volume for successful placement, your dentist will likely recommend a bone graft procedure prior to moving forward with implant surgery.
The Benefits of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a process that involves taking bone from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to replace missing or damaged bone in the jaw. This procedure may be necessary for dental implant patients who lack sufficient bone density in their jaws.
The benefits of bone grafting are numerous. First and foremost, it allows patients who were previously unable to receive dental implants due to insufficient bone structure to undergo this life-changing treatment. Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional dentures, including improved speech, better comfort and stability, and greater chewing power.
In addition, bone grafting helps preserve natural facial contours by preventing jawbone deterioration. Without adequate stimulation from tooth roots or dental implants, the jawbone can gradually shrink over time, leading to an aged appearance characterized by sunken cheeks and thin lips.
Undergoing a bone graft before receiving dental implants can help ensure long-term success and reduce complications such as implant failure or infection. By providing a strong foundation for your new teeth roots, you'll enjoy healthy function and aesthetics for years to come.
To learn more, you can get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us, and we'll guide you further. Call (516) 336-4902 to book an appointment at our Hicksville office and (516) 756-0111 for the Farmingdale office.