Dental implants have changed the way people replace lost teeth in New Brunswick, Canada. They are permanent and look like real teeth. For some people, though, getting a complete smile may require a first operation known as bone grafting.
This article aims to clear up any confusion about bone grafting by explaining what it is and how it helps with implant placement. It also addresses some common worries that patients may have.
People in Dieppe and the surrounding areas who are thinking about getting implant dentistry in Dieppe need to know about bone grafts to make smart decisions about their oral health.
Understanding bone loss and how it can impact dental implants.
When we lose teeth, our jawbone naturally deteriorates. This is because the bone that used to circle the tooth root is not getting any stimulation anymore, so it starts to get smaller.
Not only does this bone loss make your smile look bad, but it also makes it hard to put in implants. Dental implants work by looking and acting like a real tooth root. For this to work, they need a good amount of healthy jawbone to support the implant post and keep it stable over time.
Why is bone grafting necessary?
An in-depth meeting and checkup with a dentist or oral surgeon will help them decide if bone grafting is needed. There are the following times when a bone graft might be suggested:
You do not have enough bone.
If the jawbone at the implant site has shrunk a lot because of tooth loss over a long time or other reasons, there may not be enough bone to hold the implant in place firmly.
The dentist has concerns about bone quality.
Even if the bone height looks right, its quality might not be as good as it could be. Bone grafts can help make the area around the implant thicker and stronger.
You need a sinus lift.
Because the sinuses are in the upper jaw, they can be hard to reach. Bone grafting is used in a sinus lift treatment to strengthen the jawbone below the sinus opening so that implants can be safely placed.
Different types of bone grafting materials.
Different kinds of bone grafting materials are used in dentistry, such as:
-
Autogenous bone graft.
This type of surgery uses your bone, which is usually taken from another part of your jaw. This method has the best chance of success and helps the bones integrate properly.
-
Allogeneic bone graft.
This type uses bone tissue that was given by a different person. It gives you an easy way to get bone and eliminates the need for a different place to collect it.
-
Xenograft.
As a bone replacement, xenografts are easy to get because they come from animal bones, usually cow bones. Different bodies can react differently to xenografts, though.
-
Alloplast.
Sometimes, man-made bone replacements made from substances such as hydroxyapatite are used. Some people may not be good candidates for other types of grafts, but these give them an option.
The type of bone graft material used will depend on several things, such as the patient’s medical background, their preferences, and the amount and quality of bone that is needed.
Commonly asked questions about bone grafting.
-
Is getting a bone graft painful?
Modern dentistry methods and drugs make sure that the bone grafting process is as painless as possible. After surgery, you may feel some pain and stiffness, but these side effects can be easily controlled with medicine.
-
How long does it take for bone grafts to heal?
How long it takes to heal depends on how complicated the surgery is and what kind of bone graft was used. In most cases, it takes a few months for the grafted bone to fully fuse with your jawbone. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to heal.
If you have more concerns or queries about bone grafting and dental implants, speak to a skilled dentist today!
