The dental implant treatment process is complex, and its details can vary from patient to patient. Some individuals even require a bone graft in Hamden before they can embark on their tooth replacement journey. Why are bone grafts sometimes necessary, and what can you expect if your dentist determines that you need one? This blog post discusses the answers to those important questions.
Bone Loss Occurs After Tooth Loss
Your tooth roots are secured in a part of the jawbone called the alveolar ridge. The ridge has just one job: to keep your teeth in place. After you lose a tooth, it no longer has any work to do, so it begins to be resorbed. That is to say, your body recycles the raw bone material for other purposes.
This type of bone loss can be pretty drastic. Some studies suggest that 25% of the bone can be lost within the first year after a tooth extraction. Other research indicates that 50% of alveolar bone can be lost after tooth extraction, with two-thirds of that occurring in the first few months after the tooth gets removed.
The Importance of Jawbone Volume for Dental Implants
Bone resorption adversely affects the chances that a dental implant in Hamden will be successful. That is because dental implants actually fuse with the surrounding tissue in order to act as substitute tooth roots. If there is inadequate bone-to-implant contact, that fusion process (called osseointegration) may fail. The dental implant will not have a sturdy enough base to support a bridge, crown, or denture.
Due to the importance of bone volume for dental implant success, your dentist will use imaging technology to assess the strength, density, and size of your jawbone before you get approved for dental implants. If there is any reason to believe that your jawbone is not currently up to the task of supporting the implants, you will probably need a bone graft.
What to Expect with a Bone Graft
There are several different types of bone grafts, but the general idea is always the same. During a bone graft, your dental team adds bone material to the portion of your jawbone that will support your dental implants. The bone may come from another part of your body or a donor. If the graft is a fairly minor procedure, it might take place at the same time as your implant placement surgery. If it is more extensive, you may have to wait a few months before you receive your implants. Your dentist will walk you through exactly what you can expect during your bone graft and your recovery period.
Bone grafting is often an important part of the dental implant process. It can help your new smile to thrive!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group in Hamden features a team of general dentists and specialists who work together to provide comprehensive dental implant services. If you would like to learn more about bone grafting or the overall dental implant treatment process, they would be pleased to talk with you. Contact our office at 203-806-9257.