Dental implants are considered the most superior form of tooth replacement on the market. With so many people turning to these permanent fixtures to restore their smiles, many dentists are pleased to offer such a service. However, for some patients, receiving implants often requires additional dental work before the actual placement can begin. If you are wondering whether you are eligible to receive dental implants, learn why your dentist might recommend a bone graft in Castle Rock to ensure your new smile remains firmly in place for a lifetime.
Who Needs a Bone Graft?
If you lose a tooth, you can expect to begin losing valuable bone the very next day and this loss can continue long after the site has healed. Whether you are seeking to have dental implants put into place or another form of tooth replacement, it is necessary to have an adequate amount of bone in the area. It is advantageous for you and your dentist to discuss the possibility of a bone graft to help avoid bone loss or to rebuild bone that has already been lost. You want to keep your facial structure and oral health from suffering the consequences of tooth loss.
What is the Connection Between Tooth and Bone Loss?
It may be difficult to fully understand how losing a tooth can negatively impact your bone health, but it can, and it will. Whether you experienced tooth loss as a result of poor oral hygiene (i.e. tooth decay, gum disease), injury, or infection, your jawbone will begin to weaken over time. The reason is that the alveolar bone (the bone that surrounds the tooth roots) is designed to support your teeth. When a tooth is lost and there is no tooth remaining in the socket, the bone will begin to deteriorate. First as part of the healing process, then later because there is nothing to stimulate it each time you chew. Alveolar bone that is not stimulated just goes away. Sometimes slowly, sometimes rapidly.
Why is a Bone Graft Necessary for Dental Implants?
A dental implant must be surrounded by adequate bone if it is to function properly. Without enough bone, your implant may not be successful in the osseointegration process, which is the fusing of the implant to your bone. Or the implant may successfully integrate, but lack proper support from surrounding tissues. Either situation can cause your implant to eventually fail.
A bone graft allows your dentist to insert grafting materials into or onto the inadequate areas of your jawbone and ultimately, create a stronger, more stable base for your implant. Although not all situations require bone grafts for individuals seeking dental implant placement, it is a procedure that is extremely common and will create a more solid foundation for your new teeth.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Implants After a Bone Graft?
Because the bone grafting process requires spending ample time at home recovering, you can expect to extend the timeline for your new smile by a few months. The bone minerals must properly fuse with the existing bone and create a stronger base. Bone heals slowly. Once your dentist believes you are fully healed, you can begin the process of having your dental implants in Castle Rock surgically put into place before receiving your final restoration 3-6 months later.
While the process to receive dental implants takes time, it is certainly not one you want to rush. Should your dentist recommend a bone graft, it is best to adhere to their suggestion and move forward with the necessary procedure. In the end, you’ll be pleased with the longer-lasting, life-changing results.
About the Author
Looking to replace your missing teeth with dental implants? You’ll be pleased to know that Dr. L. Blaine Kennington can provide start-to-finish treatment in-house, allowing you to remain in one convenient location for your initial consultation, surgical placement, and receiving your final restoration. He and his team are here to walk you through the entire process, even administering necessary oral surgery should you require additional bone minerals to strengthen the foundation for your implants. Visit the website or call (360) 703-9092 to learn how you can begin the process of restoring your smile.