05 Jan Building a Strong Foundation: Why Bone Grafting Is Key to Dental Implant Success
Understanding what role bone grafting plays in your dental implant process helps you to feel more confident with your treatment strategy. A strong jawbone is vital for proper anchoring of implants, and that’s where a jawbone graft for dental implants in Charlottesville becomes the key component. Here’s why bone grafting is a strong foundation for dental implants and restoring your smile.
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?
Your Charlottesville dental implant specialist may recommend a bone graft before beginning your dental implants based on specific issues found in your initial exam.
These issues can include:
- If you’ve lost several teeth over a period of time, this can affect your bone density and cause thinning of your jawbone.
- Gum disease can cause loss of bone volume.
- Your jawbone may not be strong enough to support dental implants.
Proper bone grafting provides a strong foundation for your implants, ensuring long-term success and a dazzling smile.
Types of Bone Grafting
Our Charlottesville team provides several options to restore bone density and volume. If the density is localized to one area or the bone loss is minor, a small bone graft can be performed. A sinus lift is a graft procedure in the upper molar area that creates space for the upper jawbone to increase in volume. Ridge augmentation can increase the width or height of the jawbone, and socket-conservation surgery is performed immediately after tooth extraction to maintain bone health and prevent bone loss.
How Long After a Bone Graft Can I Get an Implant?
The type of grafting procedure you’ve had will determine your healing time, but many patients can reasonably expect a 3-6 month waiting period. If you’ve had a sinus lift, you may need a more extended recovery period. Your bone graft must completely fuse with your natural bone, creating the strong base your implants require.
The Benefits of Bone Grafts
The list of benefits of bone grafting before dental implants is quite extensive.
- Even with significant bone loss, grafting creates the ability to place implants successfully.
- Improves oral health and functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing.
- Long-term implant success is increased due to the strong foundation the grafting has provided.
Think of grafting as an investment that protects your implants and your smile for many years.
Our Charlottesville dental implant specialists provide full-spectrum grafting and implant services. These include diagnosis, imaging with the most up-to-date technology, and the creation of a personalized treatment plan. If you are contemplating getting dental implants, contact us today for a consultation.