Firm Foundations: Do I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?

Gaps in your grin can detract from your daily quality of life because tasks you once considered second nature, like eating, speaking, and smiling, suddenly become much more challenging. That means not only might you develop anxiety over fear of judgment for the changes to your appearance, but the changes in your abilities can also contribute to reduced self-esteem.

Fortunately, your periodontist can rebuild your smile with dental implants, often considered the ideal way to replace missing teeth. However, many patients don’t realize they might need a jawbone graft before proceeding with this treatment. Keep reading to learn more about it!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Many experts prefer dental implants over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges because of their unique advantages. They’re the only restorations that include a titanium rod embedded in your jaw for added strength and stability.

Once the post is inserted, it stimulates your jaw into generating new bone growth over the next three to six months that, eventually, surrounds and fuses with the metal material. This makes it a permanent part of your smile so that it can function as a sturdy standalone structure. It’s capped with a small metal abutment that will hold your customized dental crown (or other appropriate restoration) in place when you’ve healed.

Why are Bone Grafts Sometimes Needed for Dental Implants?

Would you be surprised to learn that your jaw loses density when teeth go missing? The roots keep the bone active and healthy, and when they fall out, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding mass within the first 12 months.

Thankfully, implants can thankfully prevent this process of degeneration, but only if your jaw is strong enough to undergo the procedure successfully. If it’s not initially, you may need an additional bone graft to bulk it up enough to continue.

How Do I Know If I Need A Bone Graft for Dental Implants?

Although potentially anyone missing teeth can get implants, that doesn’t mean it’s the right treatment for everyone’s unique circumstances. You must consult with your dentist, first, to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery and maintain your new teeth.

Your dentist will examine your current condition and take X-rays and other images to determine the thickness of your jaw to let you know whether they think additional surgery is needed. You might require a bone graft if:

• It’s been a long time since your teeth went missing or were extracted, and natural resorption has already negatively impacted your jaw.
• Advanced gum disease has eroded your jaw in places.
• Your bone is naturally thin or weak.
• Your jaw was injured and needs additional support to house implants.

If you’re unsure whether you can get implants, the next best step is to contact your dentist to schedule a consultation!

Meet the Author

Dr. Andrew Barnett takes pride in providing a variety of specialized procedures to improve your oral health. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, then earned his Masters of Science and Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Michigan. Today, he’s a trusted member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology. He can help with complex treatments, such as dental implants and bone grafts, to provide beautiful, lasting restorations to rebuild your smile. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (214) 691-2614.