What is bone grafting?

Have you been missing teeth for a number of years? If so chances are your bone in that area has shrunken (generally called bone loss). Bone loss poses an issue for those wishing to restore their missing teeth with dental implants.

A good dental implantologist will always evaluate the bone where a dental implant is to be placed. Enough bone must

Bone loss due to missing teeth — Bone loss makes implants impossible.

exist to securely place a dental implant. The existing bone will incorporate the dental implant into it and permanently anchor the dental implant. If there is not enough bone to hold the dental implant, the dental implant will fail.

Here is where bone grafting enters the picture. Bone grafting is a simple, painless procedure that affords the opportunity to increase the amount of bone in places lacking bone. With grafting, individuals can have dental implants that will last a very long time.

How do I know if I need bone grafting?

Before diagnosing and treatment planning dental implants, a good dentist will take a 3 dimensional image of your jaws. This is usually done with an ICAT technology. (If you are missing teeth and this isn’t done, I would always suggest a second opinion from a provider that will do this.)

With your 3 dimensional image, a dentist can measure how much bone is available and where your implant(s) can be

Bone grafting makes implants. — Bone grafting creates a successful location for implants.

securely placed. The long term success of your dental implants is directly connected to the amount of bone available to place the dental implants in. There must be enough bone surrounding the dental implant for your bone to “accept” the dental implant. Lack of bone is a recipe for future problems.

Some people are told that they don’t have “enough” bone for dental implants and are disappointed because they think they can never have a dental implant restoration. Many times this is because their provider doesn’t do bone grafting. If you have been told you can not have dental implants because of lack of bone, I would encourage you to get a second opinion from a dentist who offers bone grafting.

How successful is bone grafting?

Bone grafting done properly is very successful. The biggest problem patients have with bone grafting is once they begin

Successful dental implant — View of a dental implant with bone grafting in the jaw.

the process of dental implant restorations they want everything completed yesterday! With bone grafting there may or may not be a waiting period before getting your dental implants depending on your individual situation. Either way, you can have teeth right away so you can begin the process of smiling again!

Read more about bone grafting from our partners at BioHorizons here.

For more information contact: Comprehensive Dental Care, 2790 W. Horizon Ridge Pky, Suite 100, Henderson NV 89052 (702) 919-6206