Insight Into Bone Grafting: Preparing Your Jaw for a Strong Dental Implant

Do you need implants to replace missing teeth? Implants provide stability by fusing with the jawbone. However, bone loss can occur over time after losing teeth. This bone thinning may first require “bone grafting” to rebuild density.
 

Dental Implants Rely on Sturdy Bone

An implant is a small titanium screw that substitutes for a missing tooth root. The jawbone grows tightly around the metal anchor after placement. So, the implant becomes thoroughly secured inside the bone like natural tooth roots, making implants very strong and durable. But there has to be enough bone present initially to succeed.
 

Why Bone Grafting Might Become Necessary

Losing one or more teeth allows the area of bone surrounding empty tooth sockets to weaken and shrink over time. This natural process is called bone resorption or atrophy. If too much bone loss occurs, there may not be enough density left at the site to stabilize implants. This jeopardizes their life span. Bone grafting jumpstarts regrowth.
 

What Does the Bone Grafting Process Involve?

Bone grafting is a surgery that packs new bone material into thin jawbone areas. The fresh graft sparks natural growth and thickening. Once healed, your jaw will be ready for reliable implants.
 

The bone used in grafts often comes from cow or human donors. You may also get a synthetic one. Your surgeon opens the thin bone region first via small cuts. After placing bone pieces into the gaps, they stitch the incision sites closed.
 

How Long Does Healing and Growth Take?

Full integration of the implanted bone graft takes several months. The grafted bone must incorporate with your existing jawbone through osseointegration. Blood vessel ingrowth happens first to supply nutrients and cells. Soon, new bone cells begin forming. Density increases typically occur for three to nine months. Your dental surgeon confirms if adequate bone now exists for implants.
 

What If Grafting Does Not Generate Enough Bone?

For substantial bone loss, a graft alone might not grow enough density. If so, more intricate procedures are options:

·       Bone expansion slowly stretches areas using special tools, allowing for later grafts.

·       Sinus lifts graft added bone under sinus cavities above upper teeth.

·       Ridge splits cut partially through the jaw ridge to expand its height.

With time and skilled grafting techniques, your surgeon can ready nearly any area for long-lasting implants.
 

Benefits of Stabilizing Implants with Bone Grafts

While grafting requires an extra surgery, it leads to excellent outcomes later:

·       Implants last longer when thoroughly fused to a dense jawbone.

·       Bone growth helps gum tissue become healthier.

·       Well-integrated implants feel more like natural teeth.

·       You eat and smile with confidence.

Bone resorption from missing teeth is common. Innovative grafting methods remodel thin bone to support implant teeth. Though grafting takes months for complete regeneration, it secures your bite and smile long-term.