If you’ve recently lost a tooth or multiple ones, you’ve come across the term “bone grafting”, especially if you’re thinking about getting dental implants. And, we know it sounds technical, but it’s an essential step for some patients to make sure their dental implants are successful. At Altura Periodontics, we’re dedicated to helping Denver patients enjoy healthy, long-lasting smiles.
If you want to learn more about what bone grafting is and why exactly it might be important for you and your oral needs, here’s a simple breakdown.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Imagine you’re building a house, and you need a strong foundation so everything stays solid. Well, your teeth work the same way. If a tooth is missing for a long time, the bone in your jaw where the tooth used to be starts to shrink, kind of like how muscles get smaller if you don’t use them. So, when it’s time to get a dental implant, you need that bone to be strong again to hold it in place. That’s where bone grafting comes in.
Bone grafting is a procedure where the dentist adds a little bit of extra bone to the area that’s shrunk – meaning where you’ve lost bone because of missing teeth, gum disease, or injury. Over time, that new bone blends in with your existing bone, making the spot strong enough to support your new tooth. Think of it as “rebuilding” the bone in your jaw to create a solid foundation for dental implants.
Why Is Bone Grafting Important for Dental Implants?
Dental implants need a strong, sturdy base to work effectively. So, without enough bone, the implant can’t properly anchor, which could affect its success in the long run. This way, bone grafting makes sure your dental implant can stay secure, letting you eat, talk, and smile like you would with a regular tooth.
In simple terms, bone grafting helps rebuild the bone, giving the implant something solid to fuse to. This makes sure that your implant will last and function like a natural tooth, which is always the goal.
How Does Bone Grafting Work?
The process is pretty simple. At Altura Periodontics, our specialists carefully place bone material into the area where you’ve experienced bone loss. This graft encourages new bone growth, strengthening the site for your future implant. And, in many cases, we can even do the bone graft at the same time as your implant surgery, making the process more convenient for you.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are a few different types of bone grafts, and each one has its own advantages. However, if you’re not a specialist, it can seem like a whole new world where you can easily feel overwhelmed.
Here’s a quick rundown so you can have all the information you need to go into this procedure:
- Autograft: Uses bone from your own body (usually from your chin or hip).
- Allograft: Uses donor bone that’s thoroughly sterilized and safe.
- Xenograft: Uses bone from an animal source, typically a cow.
- Synthetic Grafts: Made from materials designed to mimic natural bone.
Don’t worry, we’ll work with you to figure out which option is the best fit for your specific needs.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
So you understand what bone grafting is and how it works, but are still wondering if its benefits outweigh the cost? Here are some of the benefits of bone grafting:
- Stronger Implant Stability: Bone grafting helps create a solid foundation for your implants, making sure they last.
- Maintains Facial Structure: It helps preserve the natural shape of your face, avoiding that “sunken” look that can happen with bone loss.
- Improves Long-Term Success: Bone grafting increases the success rate of dental implants and supports your overall oral health.
Final Thoughts: Is Bone Grafting Right for You?
Not everyone will need bone grafting, but if you’ve lost significant bone over time and are thinking about getting dental implants, it is an important step to ensure the long-term success of that procedure. But don’t worry, during your consultation, we’ll take a close look at your jawbone and create a personalized treatment plan to suit your needs because at Altura Periodontics, we’re committed to providing the best dental care possible. Our team will guide you through the entire process, making sure you’re comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you deserve!
Warm regards,
The Altura Periodontics Team