Will I need a bone graft for a dental implant?
If you are already considering dental implants, you may be well aware of the many benefits they provide for patients who are missing one or more teeth. You may also want to know what needs to be done to obtain them. During an initial consultation visit with Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser of Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island, Melville area patients can find out if they are a good fit for implants. Patients will need sufficient bone to place the implants successfully. Patients who have had a series of x-ray images performed and are told they do not have enough bone for dental implants shouldn’t fear! They have other options, including preparing the smile with bone grafting.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting, also known as bone augmentation, is a step taken to prepare a patient for the placement of dental implants. The process requires the dentist to place donor bone or materials to help stimulate bone growth in the jawbone. This, in turn, prepares the area for a dental implant. Bone grafting does take time to achieve, so patients should be patient throughout the process of obtaining their dental restoration.
Will I need a bone graft for my dental implant?
Patients who have experienced significant loss of jawbone may require bone grafting for implants to be successful. The bone graft procedure is done with an oral surgeon to build up the bone that might have been lost due to tooth loss or periodontal disease. X-rays allow the dentist to see what is currently available for dental implant placement, and to plan the grafting and implant procedure. Without enough bone, the dental implant procedure will be unsuccessful.
Are there alternatives?
In some cases, there may be. Patients without enough bone for traditional implants may still be appropriate for mini dental implants. Patients with missing teeth may also want to consider less invasive options for replacing teeth such as full denture, partial dentures, or dental bridges.
Do I need bone grafting?
If you are considering dental implants but do not have sufficient bone, you may need to speak to a professional at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island about bone grafting. Call (631) 423-6767 to request an appointment at 458 Old Country Road in Melville, NY.
