Is it necessary to get bone graft surgery to get dental implants? This is a question that dental surgeons are asked all the time. The answer may surprise many patients. No, you will most likely not require a bone graft if you choose to have dental implant surgery. In some instances, a bone graft may yield a better outcome. But is a bone graft required for a dental implant? To get answers to this and other questions regarding prosthodontic treatment in Roanoke, VA, talk to a dental expert today.
What is a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft provides density and volume to your jaw in regions where there has been a bone loss. The bone graft material can come from your own body (autogenous) or an animal tissue bank (xenograft), or a human tissue bank (allograft). In other cases, the bone graft material is synthetic (alloplast).
How does dental bone graft work?
Once the bone graft is in place, it creates space for your body to rebuild. This means a dental bone graft is a scaffold for your bone tissue to grow and regenerate. In some circumstances, your dentist may combine a dental bone graft with PRP or platelet-rich plasma. This is derived from a blood sample to enhance tissue regeneration and healing.
When is a dental bone graft needed?
A dental bone graft is typically required when a person has bone loss in their jaw. This surgery may be advised if you:
- Have bone loss from gum (periodontal) disease.
- Are getting a tooth pulled.
- Need to have your jaw rebuilt before having dentures.
- Are thinking of getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
Do all dentists conduct bone graft surgery before implant placement?
Many dentists may add bone grafting material to an area before implanting a tooth. This is an old-school method that is still used today. In other instances, a graft is still necessary. “Is there adequate bone for installing a new implant root?” is the question. This question might be subjective and vary from case to case or even in different sites within the same patient’s mouth.
Can bone grafting be avoided?
Bone grafting is mostly seen as an unnecessary and costly treatment that significantly slows down the tooth replacement process. In many cases, thanks to new types of dental implant materials, all that is needed to place a dental implant is 4 mm of bone width.
The bottom line is that the exact situation can vary from person to person, and only a dental expert can provide accurate answers. If you have any questions about dental implants, schedule an appointment with a dentist today.