If you have recently inquired about having dental implants, then it’s quite possible that you might have been informed you need a bone graft for treatment to be completely successful. Initially, this might seem quite worrying, but it really isn’t anything to be concerned about, as bone grafts are frequently carried out in preparation for dental implant treatment.
Why You Might Need a Bone Graft
When you first see an implant dentist, one of the things they will want to check is how much bone you have in the area where you wish to have dental implants. In order for your implants to be a complete success, they need to be inserted into a certain amount of healthy bone because they need to fully integrate with your jawbone to provide a strong and stable foundation for your implant teeth.
One of the problems with tooth loss is that it can ultimately lead to bone loss in your jawbone, as without the stimulation provided by your natural tooth roots, old bone cells are not renewed and gradually the amount of available bone will diminish. This can create considerable problems for denture wearers as a denture relies quite heavily on the bony ridge that is used to support your teeth for retention. It can also affect the stability of your remaining teeth. This is where having dental implants can be extremely useful as it protects your jawbone against any further bone loss and helps to stabilize your remaining teeth.
What to Expect If You Do Have a Bone Graft
If you need a bone graft, then we have an experienced periodontist here at Envy Smile Dental Spa in Brooklyn, NY who has all the necessary expertise and experience to make sure the treatment is a success and that it will be carried out in a way that is comfortable for you. If you only require a very small amount of bone, we may even be able to place the bone graft at the same time as your dental implant, but otherwise, it will be carried out beforehand, and you will need to allow several months for the grafting material to fully integrate with your jawbone. Although this may add a little extra time to the overall treatment, it’s still well worth it, as a properly planned dental implant can last for many years and will provide excellent results.
FAQ
Where do Bone Grafts Come from?
There are several different materials that can be used during a bone graft. As for example, we can take the bone from another site in your body, such as your hip or your chin. This can be advantageous as your body will recognize the bone as your own, so rejection would be extremely unlikely. Another option is to use donor bone which will have been specially treated and sterilized to make sure it is safe for use. These days we often use artificial bone materials, which are very sophisticated. These contain growth proteins that help your body to generate its own bone cells, gradually replacing the artificial bone graft. The end result is a strong and stable jawbone that can easily support your new dental implants.
What Can’t You Do After a Dental Bone Graft?
After the transplantation of bone tissue procedure, you need to take into consideration all the instructions of the surgeon for a faster recovery. It is essential to follow the next recommendations:
- Don’t suck, spit, or rinse your mouth out vigorously during the first 3 days
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco during the first week after the procedure
- If you need to drink through a straw, avoid viscous and thick liquids
- Don’t eat solid foods
- Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol
Is Bone Graft Necessary After Tooth Extraction?
Bone transplantation after tooth extraction can be performed when the tooth removal has caused a lot of damage. A bone grafting procedure is necessary when the tooth itself is large, and its extraction creates a big hole in the bone. This procedure is also recommended if the roots have been twisted in such a way that they occupy a large volume of the jaw. The bone can become weaker, and bone grafting helps keep it strong.
How Can I Avoid Bone Grafting?
The easiest way to avoid bone grafting is to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant as soon as possible after the tooth loss. You can also get a dental bridge if you don’t want to undergo a grafting procedure, but your bone can become weaker over time. If you have significant bone loss, grafting is the only option that allows you to get a dental implant.
Dr. Marianna M. Weiner is an advanced specialist in Brooklyn for bone grafting and an experienced periodontist at Envy Smile Dental Spa. If you want to improve your dental health and undergo a professional bone grafting procedure, contact our office in NYC for an offline or online consultation with your dentist. You can easily improve the condition of your oral cavity with the options we offer.