Bone Grafts: Do You Need One Before Getting Dental Implants?

As one of the top methods for rebuilding missing teeth, dental implants come with a wide range of advantages for your smile, including strength, stability, and longevity. However, some patients might require certain types of preliminary services before getting their new restoration, such as a bone graft. Read on to learn what this procedure entails and why it could be necessary for you to get it first.

Why Would You Need to Have a Bone Graft?

To properly support your dental implant, your jawbone will typically need to have sufficient tissue volume to anchor your metal post. Whenever someone loses a tooth, the surrounding area of the jaw can begin to change and weaken over time. This is because your tooth roots directly stimulate the jawbone to get the circulation necessary for proper nutrients and bone growth. Without them, that area of your jaw can end up deteriorating, meaning there’s little bone to work with. A bone graft can reverse the effects of tooth loss, allowing you to have the right volume of tissue to hold your dental implant in place.

What is Bone Grafting?

A bone graft is a procedure involving transplanting a portion of bone tissue into your jawbone. The material can come from various sources, such as a different part of your mouth, a separate location in your body, a synthetic substance, or even an animal donor! After having this placed in the proper spot, it should fuse and seal itself to your bone tissue where it’ll be required. This is considered a relatively minor treatment, and many patients report experiencing little discomfort during the process.

What to Expect After Getting a Bone Graft

After your dentist completes your bone graft procedure, they’ll usually prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection. They’ll also provide you with specific instructions for making your recovery as smooth as possible. This may include taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications, even though many patients can do well with just antibiotics. Once your bone graft properly bonds with your jawbone tissue, which can usually take 3-6 months to complete, you should be prepared to undergo your dental implant placement process.

For many patients, a bone graft is the first step toward renewing their smile. Don’t hesitate to consult your dentist about the process, and they’ll be glad to discuss your treatment plan and what you should expect.

About the Practice

At Amherst Dental Group, we strive to provide comprehensive and long-lasting solutions to rebuild and improve patients’ smiles. We offer dental implants and can perform the entire process under one roof, allowing you to work entirely with a team you already know and trust. If you wish to learn more about bone grafting and dental implants, or want to schedule a consultation, visit our website or reach out to us at 716-689-8882.