2 - 2022 - Edwards Family Dentistry

A dental bone graft is typically used for patients that have jawbone issues. Bone grafts are a common procedure and have been done for years. The procedure is relatively minor and can be done quickly. If patients have lost a tooth or have severe gum disease, bone grafts can be used to help restore your gums and jaw. Over time gum disease can progress if not treated and cause bone loss. This can affect your appearance, and cause your jaw to sag or look sunken in. At this point there is no bone left to support your face. Bone grafting can help to restore the support needed.

How Does Bone Grafting Work?

Typically, the procedure is done before your implant is placed. If you need to have a tooth removed that is done first, and then we will prepare the area for a bone graft if the patient does not have enough bone present to support the dental implant. This graft will help to create a stable base for your new tooth. Bone grafts can be taken from your own body, and are commonly taken from the back of the jawbone. Another option is to use a bone grafting material. This option is common because the patient does not need a surgical incision to reach the bone.

The area is cleaned and the bone grafting material is placed. Once the bone graft is complete the patient will need to heal for a few months before you can come back to have your implant placed. This gives the graft time to heal and develop new bone around the graft area. The procedure takes a few hours and is relatively simple.

What Can I Expect During Healing?

Some pain is expected after a bone graft procedure, but should subside after a few days. Patients can treat the area with a cold compress and take over the counter medications to help ease the pain. We recommend a liquid diet after your bone graft procedure. Slowly patients can introduce soft foods, and eventually resume their normal diet. Patients should avoid any strenuous activity that may affect the bone graft area during healing.

Interested in Finding Out More?

At Edwards Family Dentistry, we offer may procedures to help you get the smile of your dreams. Bone grafting can help create a sturdy base for dental implants, and is a great option for patients who have bone loss. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery and we strive to provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To find out if bone grafting can benefit you, or to inquire about dental implants, contact Edwards Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

If you have been recommended for dental implants you may be overwhelmed with all of the implant choices available. Our team can help you choose which implant works best for you and discuss what your options are.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are similar to an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jaw bone. The implants serve as a base for one or many artificial teeth or crowns. Implants can be used to help patients with missing teeth and can be personalized to fit each patient’s needs.

What Are The Types of Dental Implants?

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant used today. This type of implant acts like an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jaw bone. These implants create a base for one or many artificial teeth or crowns that are affixed on top. During the implant process healing time is needed for the implant to fuse to the jawbone. This type of implant is durable, long lasting, and a popular choice.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are a good alternative to endosteal implants. This type of implant sits on top of the jawbone, but is still under the gum line. Using a metal frame the post is attached and the gum then heals around the frame. This allows the implant to be held securely in place. Artificial teeth or crowns are then placed on top of the poles that are in the gum area. In many cases this type of implant is used if patients do not have enough jawbone to support endosteal implants. Bone grafting can be done to provide the additional bone needed, but some patients choose to not go through that process.

What Are My Alternatives?

If a patient’s jawbone cannot support dental implants there are techniques available to help rebuild the jawbone and create a stable foundation for implants.

Bone Augmentation – This procedure helps to restore or regenerate bone in the jaw when a patient does not have enough to support an implant. This process is very successful, and many patients choose this process in order to get those implants they have always wanted.
Sinus Lift – A sinus lift can add bone below the sinus cavity to help that area if bone has deteriorated.
Ridge Expansion – Bone grafting material can be added along the top of the jaw or small ridge to help make your jaw wide enough to support dental implants.

What Are Other Dental Implant Options?

Mini Dental Implants – Mini dental implants are similar to traditional dental implants, but they are used for smaller spaces. Patients that have naturally smaller teeth may find that mini dental implants fit them best. This procedure is less invasive and tends to be less expensive compared to other options. Mini dental implants are made of one solid piece that is screwed into the jawbone. Each implant has a ball on top and this allows the crown to be secured.
Immediate Load Dental Implants or Teeth In a Day – This type of implant process allows the placement of the crown or temporary tooth at the same time as the dental implant. Patients that have sufficient bone structure in the jaw are good candidates for this option.
All-On-4 Implants – All-on-4 implants provide patients with implants in just one appointment. With this option implants are not required for each tooth. Four implants are placed, and this makes the process easier and less invasive. Bone grafting is not needed with this option, and temporary teeth can be placed that same day. With this option there is a healing process while the implants fuse to the bone. Once the healing process is complete, permanent teeth can be placed.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Dental Implants?

Our staff is here to help you choose which dental implant option works best for you. With our high-end technology and implant surgical software, the implant process is faster and more efficient. Our team provides the very best care to our patients, and we are here to support you throughout the implant process.

To find out what dental implant option is best for you, contact our office and our friendly staff can schedule your consultation. Let us help you take that first step to a beautiful smile!

What is a Dental Bone Graft?