Build Support for Your Dental Implant
When you have lost a tooth, you may experience some degree of bone loss. Since there is no tooth structure to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone around the missing tooth can start to wear away. Over time, the jaw bone can deteriorate to a point where there is not enough bone tissue to support dental implants and the patient may then be a candidate for a bone grafting procedure. A bone graft is performed to replace or increase the amount of bone around the tooth. It is often recommended before receiving dental implants to ensure successful integration.
Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone grafts are usually performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Vance may need to place a mixture of bone marrow and the bone grafting material at the treatment site to ensure optimal healing. Patients will need to restrict their diet to soft foods after the procedure and wait anywhere between six to nine months before receiving dental implants.
Types of Bone Grafts
-
Autogenous grafts
These are taken from one part of the body and transplanted to the mouth. The bone is usually sourced from the chin area and is active material that integrates easily with existing bone.
-
Allografts
These involve a transplant performed with donor bone from a bone bank. The tissue has been screened for safety.
-
Xenografts
The bone for these grafts comes from a nonhuman source, such as bovine, and is often needed when the patient requires a good deal of bone to support dental implants.
Bone Loss Occurs After Tooth Loss
Many people do not realize that the jaw bone starts to deteriorate immediately after a tooth goes missing. If you have lost a tooth for any reason, you may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure before getting dental implants. Without a dental implant in place to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone can start to deteriorate.
Restore Your Smile!
If you experience any degree of bone loss due to gum disease, trauma to the mouth, or oral health issues, you may need a bone graft before you undergo any type of tooth replacement procedure. Dental implants boast a high success rate only when there is sufficient bone available in the jaw. Dr. Jody Vance may recommend a bone augmentation or bone grafting procedure before dental implants or implant supported dentures are placed to restore your smile in Springfield, MO.