Bone Grafting Explained and Why It Matters for Dental Implants
Dental implants are virtually the best options for restoring missing teeth. But it is not so straightforward to have them done; in some cases, the patient may not have enough bone in the jaw to keep an implant. Bone grafting comes to rescue. It is a common procedure that works to create a very strong foundation onto the base of your smile. The role bone grafting fills and why an implant specialist near Bixby Knolls truly makes the difference must be understood while considering implants.
What Is Bone Grafting?
It is a dental procedure for the addition or restoration of bone in an area where bone has been lost or has weakened. Most commonly, the procedure is done in the jaw to prepare the site for a dental implant. The new bone might be autogenous (taken from your own body), from a donor, or synthetic.
Gradually, the grafted bone will merge with your natural bone. This process is called Osseo integration, and it provides a strong and stable base for a dental implant.
Why Bone Loss Happens
Bone loss in the jaw can occur for several reasons
- Tooth loss that has gone untreated
- Advanced gum disease or infection
- Injury or trauma to the jaw
- Long term denture use without proper bone stimulation
Without enough bone your dentist cannot securely place an implant. That is why many patients are referred to an implants specialist near Bixby Knolls for evaluation and possible bone grafting.
Why Bone Grafting Is Important for Implants
These need healthy bone to hold them in place; if the bone is too thin or soft, the implant may fail or become unstable. The purpose of a graft is to solidify enough bone structure to hold an implant properly.
Apart from helping to hold the implant, a successful graft also helps in making the jawbone look and feel stronger while benefiting oral health and facial structure in the future.
What to Expect from the Procedure
Bone grafting is typically a minor surgical procedure It may be done at the same time as tooth extraction or as a separate step before implant placement Your implants specialist near Bixby Knolls will determine the best approach based on your needs.
After the grafting procedure healing can take a few months. During this time your body will naturally regenerate bone and prepare the area for the implant.
