Dental implants are the most preferred teeth replacement option in the world today because of their permanency and the ability to restore a patient’s natural smile and appearance. However, implants require a firm foundation of enough bone mass. This means that you have to have sufficient jawbone to support the implants and allow successful osseointegration at the surgical site.
Therefore, do not be surprised when your dentist tells you that you do not have sufficient bone to support your dental implants. Fortunately, dentists have discovered a way to increase the bone mass at the implant site through bone grafting. Continue reading to know if a bone graft is always necessary with dental implants.
What Is Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to repair and rebuild bones by transferring bone tissue from one part of the bone to another or a donor. Bone grafting for dental implants involves harvesting bone tissue from other parts of a patient’s body and transplanting it at the implant site to add volume. The transplanted bone tissue has to be healthy to promote growth and fully support the dental implants.
Do All Dental Implants Require Bone Grafting?
Some people are hesitant to replace their missing teeth with dental implants for fear of undergoing bone grafting. But the truth is that not all dental implants require bone grafting. Your dentist will analyze your jawbone to determine if a bone graft is necessary. Nevertheless, several conditions might require bone grafting.
Significant Bone Loss
If you delay replacing the missing teeth for a long time, your jawbone will shrink or collapse due to lack of stimulation. Just like muscles, bones also require regular stimulation to remain strong and healthy. This stimulation happens when you use your teeth to bite or chew food. Luckily, dental implants offer the same amount of stimulation as natural teeth. So, if your jawbone has deteriorated over time, bone grafting might be necessary.
Advanced Gum Diseases and Injuries
If you have suffered severe gum diseases or injuries, they will make your jawbone weak and unstable. Therefore, you will need a bone graft to recreate mass and strengthen your jawbone before placing dental implants.
Location
Some parts of your jaw are more likely to have insufficient bone tissue than others, for instance, near the bottom of the upper sinus, which is hollow. So, the surrounding bone tissue may not be dense enough to support a dental implant.
Remember that only your dentist or oral surgeon can determine if a bone graft is necessary. Therefore, choose your oral surgeon wisely.