If you have decided to undergo dental implant placement, you may already understand the health benefits of this restorative procedure. Before you receive dental implants, however, it’s important that you are a good candidate for treatment with no underlying oral health concerns.
Many patients who desire dental implants have also had teeth missing for quite some time. Without natural teeth to maintain the strength of the jawbone, the tissues begin to atrophy, creating an unsuitable habitat for implants. If you lack sufficient jaw bone density, a bone grafting procedure can help bolster the area to ensure proper fusion of the implant posts with your jaw. Although a bone graft will add time to your treatment, it will maximize the longevity of your implants.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that increases the volume and density of weak or deficient bone. For a dental implant procedure, a piece of processed bone or a synthetic grafting material is grafted onto your jaw bone in the weakened area and allowed to heal for several months.
How Do You Know If You Need a Bone Graft?
During a comprehensive examination, Dr. Larry Sutton will perform a comprehensive examination, including x-rays, so we can determine if bone grafting will be necessary before placing your implants. Dental implants need at least a quarter of an inch of bone to properly fuse, so if the area is lacking, we can build the area strong enough to provide continued support.
The Benefits of a Bone Graft
Undergoing a bone grafting procedure may add extra time to the overall treatment to allow the treatment site proper time to heal. While this may seem inconvenient to patients at first; the benefits of being able to replace teeth with dental implants often outweigh the amount of time it takes to complete the procedure.
It’s important to have a solid foundation and sound oral health before performing any restorative treatment. An initial bone graft procedure will provide the foundation you need for successful implant placement.
Call Today to Get Started!
Replacing missing teeth can transform a patient’s smile and renew confidence. If you are interested in implant placement but lack the jaw bone volume to support proper fusion, call Sutton Dentistry in Ocala today to schedule an appointment.