Dental Implants after Bone Grafting: How long will I have to wait?

In the past, patients with bone loss had limited options when it came to replacing missing teeth. Because they lacked the bone density necessary to support implants, their options normally consisted of relying on prosthetics such as full or partial dentures to complete their smiles. Dentures rest on top of the gums and over time, as the mouth changes shape, they become uncomfortable. This often leads to denture slippage when patients eat and speak. Fortunately, candidacy for dental implants among patients has been expanded with bone grafting procedures.

Bone Grafting: The Basics

Simply put, bone grafting involves surgically placing bone tissue from one area of the body to another. With applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, bone grafting is used to encourage regeneration of bone mass in the jaw. Bone grafting helps combat the negative effects of bone atrophy along with providing enough bone to support dental implants.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafts

Unlike other tooth replacement services, dental implants are permanent. These tooth-like restorations replace tooth structure above and below the gum line. Consisting of a titanium post and an artificial yet natural-looking crown, dental implants function as a tooth’s root and the portion of a tooth above the gum line.

When determining a patient’s candidacy for receiving implants, our oral surgeon will examine bone health using X-ray technology. If patients lack enough bone to support an implant, bone grafting may be suggested. Because every patient has different needs, the amount of time between receiving a bone graft and dental implants can vary. After a bone graft, follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that the bone graft has properly fused to existing bone.

Once our team has determined that the grafting process is successful, an appointment will be scheduled for placing dental implants.

To determine if bone grafting will improve your jawbone health, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon. At your appointment, we will conduct a thorough oral examination and answer any questions you may have.

Contact the Charlottesville office of Dr. Carlos Ibanez today to reserve an appointment.

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