If you’ve lost a tooth, you’re probably eager to get it replaced as soon as possible. One of the best ways to replace a tooth is with a dental implant, a post-like metal device anchored in your jawbone. A crown is then placed over the implant to replace your tooth.
For the implant to work, however, there must be enough jawbone to hold the metal post firmly. If not, your dentist must perform a bone graft before installing the implant.
The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, has deep experience with bone grafts and implants. Here’s more about why you may need a bone graft and what you can expect if you get one.
When you have all your teeth, your jawbone is stimulated to grow new bone cells when you chew or bite down. Losing a tooth to injury or disease robs your jawbone of stimulation in that spot, and no new cells grow there. The bone begins to atrophy, losing mass and density.
A dental implant must sit on the bone without getting too close to the underlying nerves. The implant should be surrounded on all sides by at least 1 millimeter of bone. When this isn’t the case, you need a bone graft to add more bone to the site before an implant can be installed.
The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates offers three types of bone grafts: human bone tissue, bovine (cow) bone tissue, or synthetic bone tissue. Your dentist discusses what option works best for you.
The bone graft itself is a fairly simple procedure performed in the office under local anesthetic. Your dentist makes a small incision in your gums and adds the bone tissue, which may be in the form of gel, powder, putty, or granules.
Your existing bone tissue then uses this material as a type of scaffolding around which new bone cells can grow. The new material not only adds mass but it stimulates new growth.
For a few days after the procedure, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers and ice to ease any discomfort or soreness in your mouth. The implant installation must wait until the new bone has grown sufficiently to anchor the implant; this usually takes at least three months.
Once your dentist is satisfied the bone graft has completely integrated with your jawbone, they schedule your implant procedure.
To learn more about dental implants and bone grafts, call our office to book an appointment or hit the “Schedule Now” button to book online.
