Do You Need Bone Grafting Before Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent modern solution for people who are missing one, several, or all of their teeth. However, not all patients are eligible for dental implants due to their oral health conditions. Fortunately, there are various solutions for solving this issue, and bone grafting is one of them. In this article, we describe this procedure and answer the question: do you need bone grafting before dental implants?
Do You Need Bone Grafting Before Dental Implants?
Only some patients who plan on getting dental implants also require bone grafting. This procedure is recommended in cases when jawbone resorption takes place. Bone resorption is a loss in its density. Dental implants are metal posts that are placed directly into the jawbone and fuse with it over time. Thus, when there is not enough density in the jawbone, dental implants will not be stable and secure and might fail.
Why Does Jawbone Resorption Happen?
Jaw bone resorption, or density loss, happens if a patient is missing teeth for a long time. Since teeth roots no longer stimulate the bone, the body stops sending nutritious elements to it, as it is considered “useless.” As a result, the bone literally shrinks. In the first year after teeth loss, the jawbone density tends to decrease by up to 20%. Thus, if you have been missing teeth for more than a year, your dentist is likely to suggest bone grafting before dental implant placement.
The Procedure of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is aimed at restoring the jawbone. A dental bone graft can be made of natural or artificial materials and is surgically placed into the bone in places that need restoration. The grafts prompt the regeneration processes in the bone, and new tissue grows around them.
Bone grafting is typically performed using local anesthetic, so the patient feels little to no pain or discomfort. The procedure might take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of grafts needed and their location. After the grafts are placed, the gum tissue is placed over them, and stitches are applied.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift
Another situation where you may require bone grafting is when you need a sinus lift before dental implants. A sinus lift might be recommended for patients who are missing their upper teeth at the back of the mouth. Sometimes, the sinuses might drop and occupy the area where teeth roots used to be, thus not leaving sufficient space for dental implants. In such cases, your doctor will lift the sinuses and then use a graft to prompt the regeneration of the tissue that will keep the sinuses in place.
Is Bone Grafting Safe?
Generally, bone grafting is a safe procedure with a high rate of success. Some of the risks of this surgical procedure include:
- Complications with anesthesia
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
Additionally, the success of bone grafting depends on the patient’s general health and personal habits. Smoking, alcohol intake, and certain illnesses might prompt bone grafting failure.
Recovery After Bone Grafting
The healing period of a bone graft can take from 3 to 12 months to heal completely, depending on the size of the graft. However, you might expect the initial recovery after the surgery to be complete in 7 to 10 days. During this recovery period, you might experience swelling, minor pain, tenderness, and bruising at the surgery site.
Over-the-counter medications, such as Ibuprofen, are effective at reducing post-surgery pain. Remember to follow the instructions and never exceed the recommended dose of pain medications. You can also apply ice packs to the face and keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce swelling.
In addition, you should follow a liquid diet for the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery and then switch to a soft diet for the rest of the recovery period. It is also important to completely abstain from nicotine and alcohol during the recovery, as both these substances significantly slow down healing.
Another critical point is to maintain thorough oral hygiene by carefully brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every evening. Your dentist might also recommend rinsing your mouth with salt water 3 to 4 times a day or after meals. If you were prescribed antibiotics or other medication, make sure to take the entire course according to schedule.
Make an Appointment Today
If you plan to replace your missing teeth with dental implants or require bone grafting, do not hesitate to make an appointment at our cosmetic dental office today. In Smiles of Arcadia, we use top-quality materials and modern methods to restore your smile and oral health. We look forward to your visit.