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Building a Strong Foundation for Implants
Are you missing teeth and considering dental implants as a solution? You may need a bone grafting procedure if you’ve been dealing with gaps in your smile for too long. Thankfully, this advanced technique can restore strength in your jaw and improve its density to create a solid foundation. Dr. Richard Grubb at Family Implant and Restorative Dentistry and his team of skilled dental professionals are proud to perform this crucial step in the implant process.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking bone from either another part of your body, a donor, or a synthetic source and transplanting it to an area where it is needed. In dental implant procedures, the graft is placed in areas of the jawbone where there’s a lack of density. Over time, this bone integrates with your jaw and promotes further bone growth.
Why Dental Implants Need a Strong Jaw
Dental implants require a solid and stable foundation for support that’s provided by the jawbone. However, the surrounding bone in the area of a missing tooth can deteriorate and lose density over time. This is caused due to your root tooth not being present and stimulating further bone growth. If this happens, there may not be enough bone to support an implant. This is where bone grafting comes in — it strengthens the implant site and provides a sturdy base for the restoration so that you can enjoy a complete smile.
Types of Bone Grafts
Our dentist may use several types of bone grafts in dental implant procedures based on your oral health needs, including:
- Autografts: Bone from another part of the patient’s body
- Allografts: Bone from a donor
- Xenografts: Bone from an animal source
- Synthetic grafts: Bone-like material made in a lab
The Bone Grafting Procedure
Consultation
Before the bone grafting procedure, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to assess the condition of your jaw and determine the extent of bone loss. This evaluation may include x-rays and CT scans to provide a detailed image of the affected area. The imaging will also help your dentist determine the appropriate size and shape of the graft material needed to build up the jawbone so that it can properly support the dental implant.
Surgical Procedure
During the procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you stay comfortable. He’ll then make an incision in your gum tissue to access the jawbone. Once the jawbone is exposed, your dentist will carefully insert the graft material into the area where bone loss has occurred. The graft material may be obtained from several sources, including your own body, a donor, an animal source, or synthetic material.
Finalization
Once the graft material is in place, your dentist will close the incision with stitches. These sutures will remain in place until the area has healed. The stitches will dissolve, or your dentist will remove them during a follow-up visit.
Bone Grafting Aftercare
Following the bone grafting procedure, the graft may take several months to fuse with the surrounding bone and create a strong foundation for the implant. During this time, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions for care, which may include:
- Avoiding hard, crunchy foods
- Keeping the area clean to prevent infection
- Refraining from tobacco use
- Drinking plenty of water
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a bone graft to fuse with the jawbone?
Can bone grafting be done without a dental implant?
How much does bone grafting cost?
Will insurance cover bone grafts?
How long does it take for a bone graft to fuse with the jawbone?
The time it takes for a bone graft to fuse with the jawbone can vary depending on several factors, including the graft size and the patient’s overall health. In general, it can take several months to integrate with the existing jawbone. Your dentist will continually monitor your healing process as the bone in the area grows to ensure proper healing.
Can bone grafting be done without a dental implant?
Yes, bone grafting works without a dental implant. Bone grafting is a common procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dentists often use this procedure to repair jaw defects, treat gum disease, and restore facial contours after injury or disease.
How much does bone grafting cost?
The cost of bone grafting can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location of the procedure, the amount of bone graft material needed, and the type of graft material used. How many bone grafts you receive can also change the price of the procedure. You should speak with your dental team about the cost of your bone graft before undergoing any treatment.
Will insurance cover bone grafts?
Many dental insurance plans will cover some or all of the cost of bone grafting if it is deemed medically necessary. This coverage may include cases where bone grafting is needed to support a dental implant, repair damage caused by gum disease, or restore facial contours after injury or disease.
However, some insurance coverage for bone grafting may be limited or excluded, such as cosmetic procedures or elective treatments that are not considered medically necessary. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine what coverage is available for bone grafting and other dental procedures.
A Brilliant Smile Needs a Strong Jaw
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to work with a skilled and experienced dental professional who can guide you through every step of the process, including bone grafting. Fortunately, Dr. Grubb at Family Implant and Restorative Dentistry gives his patients top-notch dental care. Our skilled dental team can perform bone grafting to build a strong foundation for your new implants and give you your dream smile.
So don’t let missing teeth hold you back — schedule your appointment by calling (410) 939-5800 or filling out our online contact form to discuss your options for dental implants and bone grafting today! We proudly serve patients in Havre de Grace and the surrounding communities of Bayview and Osborne, MD.