Dental implants are metal posts or screws that replace natural tooth roots. Implants are an excellent option for ill-fitting dentures and bridgework. Dental implants are completely functional prosthetic teeth designed to appear and feel exactly like your natural teeth. Dental implants are used to replace lost tooth roots. Titanium and zirconium attach the metal to the bone, reducing jaw bone loss.
Implants are a very safe treatment that dental specialists have used for over 30 years with good clinical results. Dental implants may be appropriate for anyone in need of tooth replacement, regardless of age. There is no upper age limit for individuals to be considered eligible when it comes to implant implantation.
When Do You Need a Bone Graft Before Dental Implants
If an oral surgeon has deemed you to have insufficient bone in your jaw for dental implant surgery, bone graft surgery may be required. The surgery is likely to fail because the vigorous chewing movement of your mouth puts a significant load on your bones. A bone transplant may be used to strengthen the implant’s base.
A number of bone graft materials can be used to rebuild a jawbone. A natural bone graft from another area of your body or a synthetic bone graft, such as bone replacement material, can aid in the creation of new bone. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.
To keep a dental implant in place, the transplanted bone must create new bone. It is possible to have modest bone grafting done concurrently with the implant procedure.
What is Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Traditionally, a piece of bone from another part of the patient’s jaw or body is removed and transplanted into the jawbone. Alternative options now include getting healthy bone tissue from a cadaver or an animal source to rehabilitate the missing bone. These approaches result in reduced morbidity for the patient, avoid the need for a second surgical site, and are just as effective. It may take several months after the surgical surgery for the transplanted bone to produce enough new bone to support the actual implantation of a dental implant.
Once the jawbone has healed, the dental surgery and implant procedure can begin. The titanium dental implant post is first inserted into the jawbone. This stage may also take several months to heal.
Benefits of Bone Grafts for Dental Implants
Here are some of the main benefits of bone grafts:
- Oral surgeons can help patients prevent further dental and orthodontic procedures by restoring bone mass and other oral structures using bone grafts.
- Cosmetology: Bone grafts are used to support a number of facial bones and structures, improving a patient’s overall appearance. As a result, a patient’s self-esteem and confidence will be boosted as a result.
- Support: A bone graft assists in supporting the remaining structures in your mouth and jaw. If you have lost a tooth, a bone graft can help preserve your remaining teeth and jaw so that further damage does not occur.
- Dental appliances can be improved with bone grafts, such as crowns, implants, dentures, and bridges. In the long run, this will improve their function.
What Happens during the Bone grafting procedure
Your dentist will do an oral examination to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. To establish the amount of your bone loss, dental X-rays or scans will be taken. Following that, your dentist will review your treatment options with you and develop a customized treatment plan to match your specific needs.
First, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the region. They will next make a small incision in your gums. The gum tissue is pushed back slightly so the jawbone can be seen. Your dentist will use bone grafting material to correct the defect after cleaning and sterilizing the region. A membrane is placed over the bone graft to provide further protection in many circumstances. Finally, the gum tissue is realigned, and the wound is stitched closed.
What are the possible risks or complications of Dental Bone Grafts?
The success rate of dental bone grafts is impressive. Nevertheless, like any procedure, there is a possibility of failure, especially for those who smoke or have certain medical conditions. Examples of dental bone graft failure include:
- Swelling or pain that worsens after the first week
- Pus or drainage is coming from the bone grafting site.
- Receding gums (when the gums pull away from the teeth)
- Jawbone volume has not increased.
Bone grafting in the mouth is generally considered safe. Risks, however, include:
- chances of infection.
- Heavy blood flow from the site
- Damage to the nerves
- Anesthesia complications
Will a Bone Graft affect the length of treatment?
Yes. The bone transplant, which is performed as a distinct additional surgery in preparation for your dental implant, will have an impact on the length of your treatment. The healing process for the bone graft surgery will take about nine months before any dental implant surgery can proceed.
How long Does it take to recover from a dental bone graft procedure?
Though you will most likely feel better in a week or two, complete dental bone transplant healing can take three to nine months — sometimes longer. Recovery timeframes are determined by various factors, including the type of graft used, the location of the graft, and your body’s ability to mend.
What to expect after the dental bone grafting procedure
You may have discomfort, swelling, and bruising after a dental bone graft. These are common side effects that should go away within a few days. Pain medication can help with symptoms; your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics that must be taken exactly as directed.
During the first several days after the surgical procedure, you may detect tiny shards of bone coming out of the spot. These fragments frequently resemble grains of salt or sand. This is usually not a cause for concern, but check with your dentist to ensure that you’re recovering properly.
Cost of bone grafting procedures
You must factor in the cost of a bone graft, which will be an additional fee in addition to the oral medication. On average, the cost is between $2,500 and $3,000.
Final Thoughts
Implants are an excellent method for replacing missing teeth without losing the quality or functioning of the replacement teeth. At Ashburton Dental Centre, dental implants are available for patients who have lost many teeth due to decay, accident, disease, trauma, or infection, among other things. Based on a range of factors, including your health situation and oral health goals, our highly educated team of professionals will examine your case and determine whether this implant treatment option is appropriate for you. From determining whether an implant is right for you to following aftercare dental sessions when implants require maintenance work over time, we will walk you through every step of the treatment. Never hesitate to contact Ashburton Dental Centre today to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
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