So, you’ve decided to get dental implants. Congratulations! This is an exciting time for both you and your smile. You’ve suffered from those missing teeth for too long, and it is time to flash your pearly whites to the world again. But there’s just one thing—your dentist in Granite City has told you that you need a bone graft—and you want to know what to expect.

In this article, we’ll let you in on everything you need to know about bone grafting and why you need this before you can get your new tooth implants.

What is bone grafting?

We know what you’re thinking. You’ve seen or heard the phrase bone grafting, and wonder what it entails. And why do you need it, especially when your friend next door got implants and didn’t need bone grafting?

Here’s the scoop.

Bone grafting in dentistry is a procedure used to build the amount and quality of bone in your jaw. When you lose teeth, the bone that once supported those teeth can deteriorate or shrink over time. This process is known as bone resorption.

In cases where there isn’t enough healthy bone to support dental implants, a bone graft is necessary. The procedure involves placing a material—either natural bone from another part of your body or a synthetic material—into your jawbone. Over time, this graft material fuses with your existing bone, creating a stronger and more stable foundation necessary for implant placement.

Why is bone grafting necessary?

So, we know you mentioned that the neighbor next door didn’t need bone grafting for their implants. And, the truth is that the need for bone grafting varies from patient to patient. Why is bone grafting necessary for some people and not others?

It all comes down to the condition of your jawbone. If your jaw doesn’t have enough bone density or volume, which is the thickness and strength of the bone, you’ll likely need a bone graft before getting implants. This insufficiency can occur due to tooth loss, where the bone starts to shrink without the tooth to support, or from gum disease, which can damage the bone around your teeth.

Why didn’t your friend need a bone graft? Well, it’s possible they still had enough healthy bone to hold the implant securely. Everyone’s mouth is different, and the state of bone health varies greatly from person to person.

Bone Grafting Procedure

Let’s get to those questions that are likely lingering in the back of your mind—what does the procedure involve? Does it hurt? How long will it take? What is the recovery period? Will this delay my ability to get my new dental implants?

Here’s what you need to know.

The bone grafting procedure may seem intimidating, but understanding the steps can help ease your worries. Here’s what happens:

• Preparation: Your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Sometimes, sedation may be used for relaxation.
• Grafting: The surgeon will make a small incision in your gum to expose the bone and then attach the grafting material—either from your own body, a donor, or synthetic—to the needed areas.
• Closure: The incision is then stitched up so that healing can begin.

Now, about the recovery and those other questions:

• Does it hurt? Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and sometimes prescription medications.
• Recovery time? Healing can vary, but generally takes about four to six months for the bone to become strong enough for implants. During this time, it’s important to follow the advice from your implant dentist in Granite City on oral care to prioritize proper healing.
• Delay in implants? Yes, the process takes extra time before you can get your implants, as the graft needs to integrate with your natural bone. However, this is a necessary step to make sure your implants will last and restore your smile.

The benefits of bone grafting for dental implants.

We hope we have answered your lingering questions about the bone grafting procedure. By now, you should feel confident and understand that while it will delay the process a bit, it is worth it to make sure your new implants will last. Besides, when done correctly, your new dental implants should last a lifetime! That means years of a long-awaited beautiful smile.

Let’s recap some of the benefits of the bone grafting procedure before you get your dental implants.

• Improved support for implants: Bone grafts build up the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for your implants, which is critical for their stability and function.
• Higher success rate of implants: With a stronger bone base, implants are more likely to be successful, reducing the risk of complications and the need for future adjustments.
• Better oral health: By preventing the jawbone from deteriorating further, bone grafting contributes to overall oral health and maintains the structure of your face and jaw.
• Prevents further bone loss: The procedure stimulates new bone growth, which can help prevent future bone loss around the implant area.
• Long-term smile satisfaction: A well-supported implant feels and functions like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy a complete and confident smile for years to come.

Ready for dental implants?

Tooth implants are changing the game when it comes to tooth replacement options and restoring your smile. If you have missing teeth, why wait? Request an appointment today with Metro East Dental Care. We’ll discuss your candidacy for dental implants and other replacement options. And, we’ll evaluate your mouth to determine if a bone graft is necessary.

Don’t delay. Contact us today and get started on the path to a beautiful smile.