What if You Don’t Have Enough Bone for an Implant?
In some cases, the amount of current bone isn’t enough for a dental implant to be stable, so bone grafting may be necessary. In many cases, the success of a dental implant is largely dependent on the height, width, and length of your jawbone (mandible) or upper bone (maxilla).
What Causes Bone To Be Lost?
Your jawbone needs constant stimulation and support from your tooth roots in order to remain strong enough to keep its own shape and support the function of your mouth. When teeth come out due to the following reasons or otherwise, the missing jawbone loses stimulation and starts to deteriorate.
Trauma: Infections or trauma can eat away at your bone and you may not even realize it. These voids often have to be filled with bone grafting.
Tooth Extractions: As you know, when a tooth is removed, there is a hole where the tooth once was. Often it is important to consider having that hole filled with bone grafting to help stabilize the area for a future implant
Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, this disease eats away at your bone and can cause your teeth to become loose. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and it is a common reason people need dental implants or dentures in the first place.
What Is the Bone Grafting Procedure?
This surgical procedure takes particles of bone, and the dentist places them in the area of defect under your gums. Then the gums are closed over the defect and the area is left to heal over a 2–6 month period. Occasionally, implant placement can be done in the same appointment as the bone graft.
Our Dentists at Dove Dental Group Can Help Fortify Your Jaw
If you feel like a bone graft is a procedure you may need, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our doctors can give you an examination and their professional opinion on the next step to fortify your jawbone and revive your oral health.
Call Now For More Information: 417-866-7647
