Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: When Is It Necessary?

Dental implants are the highest quality option to replace teeth that are missing or too damaged to be saved. They provide a solid anchor for a dental prosthetic, such as a crown to replace a single tooth, or bridges and dentures to replace multiple teeth. 

But for dental implants to be successful, the jaw bone must be strong and healthy to provide the adequate space and support. Implants are surgically placed in the jaw where they fuse with the bone to create a solid bond that is strong enough to withstand the force of chewing. If the necessary bone strength and density is not there, the patient may not be a good candidate for dental implants. 

The good news is that there is a possible solution. Bone grafting is a procedure used to prepare the existing bone for the placement of an implant, giving patients the opportunity to get the best dental restoration available. Braasch Oral Surgery specializes in this procedure to help patients prepare for dental implant placement. 

Understanding Bone Grafting in Dentistry

Dental bone grafting involves the placement of a bone fragment in the location of the jaw where bone loss has occurred. The bone fragment bonds with the existing bone to thicken and widen it, while also stimulating regeneration of new bone tissue. The bone used in bone grafting can come from a variety of sources:

• Autograft: taken from the patient’s own body.
• Allograft: taken from a deceased donor. 
• Xenograft: taken from an animal. 
• Synthetic: created in a lab. 

The type of bone graft you receive will be determined by you and your oral surgeon according to what is best for your specific case. 

Why Bone Grafting May Be Necessary Before Dental Implants

Patients who need bone grafting in preparation for dental implants have experienced some degree of bone loss due to a variety of situations, such as:

• Missing teeth. When teeth have been gone for a few months or longer, the jaw bone that once supported them will gradually weaken and resorption takes over, meaning the body absorbs the bone. 
• Gum disease. Advanced stage gum disease causes the jaw bone to deteriorate and pull away from the teeth. 
• Trauma. Injuries to the jaw can cause loss of bone density and structure. 

Without adequate bone structure in the jaw, dental implants can’t be placed safely. Doing so without the proper preparation increases the risk of implant failure. 

The Bone Grafting and Dental Implant Process

The typical steps in a bone grafting procedure are as follows:

• Consultation. The first step is a consultation to discuss the procedure and determine if it is the best course of treatment for your needs. This will involve an evaluation to assess the current condition of the jaw bone and if bone grafting would be an effective option to prepare for dental implants. 
• Surgery. The procedure itself will involve the use of anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. The bone graft will be placed and the gum tissue will be sutured over it to allow it to heal and encourage growth of new bone. 
• Healing. After the procedure the healing process begins. You will need to eat a soft diet for the first few days and follow your dentist’s instructions for follow-up care. 

Braasch Oral Surgery has the expertise and advanced technology to ensure precision and comfort throughout the procedure.

How Soon After Bone Grafting Can I Get Dental Implants? 

The recovery process takes a few days to a few weeks, followed by 3-6 months of continued healing. Regeneration of lost bone tissue requires time as the cells rebuild and the jaw strengthens. Your oral surgeon will monitor your progress and recommend dental implant placement when the time is right for optimal success. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

How long does it take to heal after a bone graft?

Healing varies by patient but usually takes several months before implant placement. The timing depends on a variety of factors from personal rates of healing to the type of bone graft that was placed.

Is bone grafting painful?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia or sedation for comfort; mild soreness afterward is common and manageable. Typically over the counter pain relievers are sufficient.

Schedule Your Consultation Today 

Find out if bone grafting may be the right option to make dental implants possible for you. Schedule a consultation with Braasch Oral Surgery today. Call 603-657-1984 or contact us today to learn more and make an appointment. 

Braasch Oral Surgery provides a variety of surgical services and procedures for patients in Bedford, NH and the surrounding area. From bone grafting to the placement of dental implants, your entire restoration can be handled under one roof by Dr. Braasch and our highly qualified team of professionals. To learn more, contact us and schedule your consultation today.