Just like any surgical procedure with the word ‘graft’ in its title, a dental bone graft is a treatment which involves attaching either natural or synthetic bone to the specified site in order to make a dental procedure possible.
Often recommended as a first step for preparing the jaw for a dental implant, a bone graft is what ensures that there is enough of a foundation for the implant to be securely embedded as a replacement tooth root – making it integral to the success of the procedure.
In this article, we’re covering some of the frequently asked questions, including what the procedure itself involves and how to know if you need a dental bone graft in Essex.
What does a dental bone graft involve?
A dental bone graft is designed to bulk out the jawbone which lines your mouth, and which holds your teeth in place – ensuring that the bone is stable and dense enough to hold implanted teeth in place.
It can be achieved in a number of different ways depending on when a tooth has been lost – with an immediate extraction and graft process ensuring that the newly made gap is plugged before the bone can start to recede. Alternatively, if the gap has been left for a while and has started to warp the jawbone, it may be necessary to cut a piece of bone to the right size of the existing gap and screw it in place.
Regardless of the timeline and approach to bone graft surgery and treatment, a period of healing is then required before the dental implant can be fitted in place.
When might I need a dental bone graft, and how do I know if I need one?
A form of bone replacement, you will not necessarily be able to tell for yourself whether a bone graft is required or not. Your dental practitioner who is preparing for you another treatment, usually dental implant surgery, will identify the need for a bone graft and work this into your overall treatment plan.
With that said, though, why is it that some people require a bone graft while others don’t?
In essence, this is all to do with the structure of your jawbone when it comes to the need for dental implants. Those who have lost teeth in the past might find that their jawbone has started to recede and lose some of its strength and density over time owing to the lack of teeth to hold in place – rendering it unable to support an implant. Dental bone grafting helps to prepare the mouth for successful implant surgery – and for holding those implants in place for years to come.
What do I do now?
If you’ve got missing teeth and are looking to explore the potential benefits of dental implants, a dental practitioner at Bluebell Dentistry & Aesthetics will be able to advise on both the process of dental implant surgery and whether or not you will require bone grafting in Essex in advance.
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