You have decided you are ready for a dental implant, and then I mention you might need a bone graft first. Now things already sound more involved than you expected.
The good news is that bone grafting at my Aurora dental practice is a common procedure I perform frequently. Once you know what the process actually involves, it tends to feel a lot less intimidating.
Why Do Some Implant Patients Need a Bone Graft?
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area gradually begins to shrink. Your body naturally resorbs the bone that is no longer supporting the tooth. The longer a tooth has been gone, the more bone loss can occur.
Dental implants need a certain depth and width of bone to anchor securely. If too much bone has been lost due to time, gum disease, or other factors, a graft helps rebuild that foundation before I place the implant.
What Happens During a Dental Bone Graft Procedure?
During the procedure, I place the graft material in the area of lost bone. The material can come from several sources, including man-made materials, donor tissue, or in some cases the patient's own bone. Each has advantages, and which one I recommend depends on your situation.
I perform bone grafting at our Aurora dental office while you are under local anesthesia. Most patients tell me it was more comfortable than they expected. You can learn more about how bone grafting fits into the implant process through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
How Long Does Healing Take After a Bone Graft?
This is the part of the grafting process that requires some patience. Initial recovery involves some soreness and minor swelling, which usually resolves within a few days to a week.
However, the graft itself needs several months to fully integrate with your existing bone before I can place an implant. For most patients, that healing window is around four to six months, though it can vary.
Does Every Dental Implant Patient Need Bone Grafting?
No. Many of my implant patients have plenty of healthy bone to work with. I determine this through 3D imaging during your consultation, which gives me a clear picture of your bone volume and density. Through my training with the International Dental Implant Association, evaluating bone structure is one of the first things I assess when building your implant treatment plan.
If you have been told you may need a bone graft or are wondering whether implants are an option for you, I would be happy to review exactly what your imaging shows. Call Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands (720) 653-3223 to schedule an appointment.