It’s fairly normal to be told during a consultation that you might need a bone graft. It’s also normal to be scared. The term bone graft sounds scary.
Regardless of how it sounds, bone grafting isn’t a procedure to be afraid of. It’s extremely routine and very predictable.
When are bone grafts necessary?
Your dental implant will actually be placed in your jaw bone, essentially replacing your tooth’s root. The jaw bone then fuses directly to the implant, making the implant a part of the bone (pretty cool, huh?)
In order for this to work, however, there has to be enough bone to support the implant. If you’ve lost a significant amount of jaw bone, your surgeon may recommend a bone graft.
Who generally needs bone grafts?
The most common reason a patient needs a bone graft is due to a missing tooth or teeth. Whenever you lose a tooth, you begin to lose the bone around it.
Your jaw bone needs the stimulation of your tooth’s root and without it, it begins to be absorbed by the body and essentially shrinks. So the longer you’ve had a missing tooth or teeth, the more bone you’ve likely lost.
Other factors that may affect bone density and call for a bone graft are developmental defects, gum disease or face injury or trauma.
How do bone grafts work?
Bone grafts repair or rebuild bones through the transplantation of bone tissue. By transplanting healthy tissue, bone and supporting tissues can be created where they are currently missing.
There are several different types of bone grafts and the type used depends on the extent of damage as well as the location of the lost tooth.
Are bone grafts painful?
Not at all!
It’s an outpatient procedure and you’re typically sedated throughout the whole process.
There shouldn’t be any pain as the graft heals, and of course, when it’s done, you’ll be ready for your beautiful new replacement teeth!
What Happens After the Bone Grafting Procedure?
In many cases, your implant can be placed the very same day as your bone graft procedure.
In some cases, your mouth may need to take time to heal before the implants can be placed. Your mouth is unique to you so all depends on your individual circumstances.
After the procedure is complete, you’ll be given antibiotics to prevent infection and in some cases, pain medication is given as well. Most patients report almost no pain in the days following.
Does everyone need a bone graft?
Definitely not.
The only way to know what you’ll need before your implants can be placed, however, is through a consultation.
During your consultation, you’ll find out if you need a bone graft and if so, which type is recommended.
Article originally published at yournewteethnow.com.