Our Delta area dentists often restore the appearance and function of patients' smiles with dental implants. That said, if you'd like to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, but lack healthy bone to support the implants, you will require a bone graft.
Are dental implants right for you?
If you have missing teeth, dental implants can be an ideal way to restore the function and appearance of your smile. That said, getting dental implants may not be as straight forward as you think. If your jaw has suffered bone deterioration, or bone loss, you may require a bone graft in order to make dental implants possible.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a procedure which can help to strengthen your jawbone by 'grafting' material taken from another part of your body (or a synthetic bone material) onto your jaw. The graft helps to strengthen your existing jawbone in order to create a stable base for the implants.
If you decide that dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you, but your jaw bone isn't strong enough to support to the implants, you will require a bone graft before the dental implant process can get started.
Do I need a bone graft for my dental implant?
Whether or not you will need a bone graft depends on the number of dental implants you require, and the overall condition of your jaw bone. Visit your dentist to find out if you will need a bone graft in order to support dental implants.
How long do bone grafts take to heal?
Some patients will require a significant bone graft, which can take up to nine months to heal before the dental implants can be placed.
Others will only require a minor bone graft. A minor bone graft can be performed when the implant is being surgically placed in the jaw.
If you have experienced significant bone deterioration, or injury to your jaw, dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement option for you.