Bone Grafts For Dental Implants
ShareA dental implant restoration looks and feels natural. It is often the preferred method to restore a lost tooth. In addition, it can be used to support multi-teeth applications, such as dentures and all-on fours. Still, there must be sufficient jawbone available to accommodate the implant.
Dental implants are positioned in the bone of the jaw. There, they heal into place, stabilizing sufficiently to handle the bite force of normal mastication.
If the density of the jawbone cannot support the installation of an implant, a bone graft may be suggested. Material from the jawbone may be lost due to gum disease, enlarged sinus cavities, dental infections and missing teeth.
Here is a bit of information about bone grafting and how it is used in implant dentistry:
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting, which is also called bone regeneration, can be used to increase the amount of bone material in the jawbone. During a bone graft, the dentist restores the bone of the jaw by placing a graft at the site where bone growth is needed. The graft helps stimulate the production of new bone cells. Over the course of several months, the graft is replaced by new bone growth.
A portion of bone harvested from the patient's own body may be grafted. However, a bone graft can also come from other sources, such as an animal, cadaver or even coral.
Placement of the Implant
The implant is not placed immediately after a bone graft is performed. Instead, several months are needed to allow the bone to reach an adequate density. Once the bone is ready to receive the implant, the device is installed at the desired site.
The implant still undergoes osseointegration, or fusion with the jawbone, if installed after a bone graft. Osseointegration should be complete within a few months. After that time, the implant can be fitted with an abutment for the installation of a single crown, all-on-fours or implant-supported dentures.
Benefits of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Bone grafting for dental implant-based restorations offers multiple benefits. Here are a few of them:
- Fewer problems with food becoming trapped under all-on-fours. When food becomes trapped beneath an all-on-four appliance, a gum infection can develop.
- More attractive facial structure. As the jawbone becomes increasingly reduced, the face can start to look sunken, worn and older.
For more information about the use of bone grafts in implant dentistry, schedule a consultation with an implant dentist in your local area. Check out a website like http://www.2smileabout.com for more information and assistance.