When you lose a tooth, there is no longer any chewing stimulus, so the jawbone progressively deteriorates. Your face muscles may collapse due to bone loss, resulting in wrinkles, drooping, and early aging. So, when you wish to replace your lost tooth with dental implants, your dentist may suggest a bone graft before getting dental implants, but not always! Keep reading the blog to learn why.
What is a Bone Graft?
Dental bone graft is an important procedure for restoring or improving jawbone structure. It is usually done when the jawbone has lost volume or density as a result of trauma, gum disease, or tooth loss. The dentist inserts bone from another area of the patient’s body or artificial bone material into the extraction site during the bone grafting operation.
Is Bone Graft Necessary Before Getting Dental Implants?
Bone grafts are not always required before getting dental implants. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft if your jaw lacks adequate bone density to give enough bone for the implant to fuse to. It can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma, gum disease, and tooth loss.
When assessing whether you require a bone graft, your dentist will take into account the following factors:
The degree of bone loss: A bone graft could be required to restore enough bone for the implant to bond to if you have experienced considerable bone loss.
The implant’s location: A bone graft may be necessary more frequently for implants positioned in the back of your jaw than for those positioned in the front.
How to Know If You Need a Bone Graft?
Some people are eligible for dental implant surgery without requiring a bone transplant. On the other hand, people with the following disorders require a bone graft:
Missing teeth
Tooth roots are absent when teeth are absent. These prevent the jawbone from getting the “workout” it requires to replenish depleted minerals. A bone graft is probably required if a person with missing teeth goes for a long time without dental implants.
Recovering From Jaw Injury
A forceful impact on the face or mouth can break the jawbone. An oral surgeon may decide to use bone grafts to repair the bulk and form of injured bone tissues.
History of Gum Disease
Severe periodontal disease has the ability to penetrate the gum line and enter the jawbone. Your dentist will carry out bone graft once the infection is eradicated.
Medical Condition that Damages the Bones
A systemic health issue that affects the bones may also impact the jaw. This can lead to loose teeth, which require bone grafting.
Summing Up!
Bone graft is not always necessary before getting dental implants. Your dentist will perform a bone graft procedure in case of severe tooth loss. If you have further queries about the procedure, consult our experienced dentist, Dr. Viraj Shah, at Integrity Dental, about the procedure. Call us at (586) 977-0300 to book your appointment today!