Bone Grafts and Dental Implants: Fixing Your Missing Teeth

In order to receive dental implants, you need adequate bone density to properly anchor the implant into place. If you do not have enough bone, there are options to correct the issue so that you can receive implants. A procedure referred to as bone grafting is used, and while it may sound painful, advances in technology have made the procedure possible with minimal pain and easy healing.

Why Bone Density Matters for Long Term Dental Care

Dental implants have a metal post that is placed into your jawbone and used to anchor the top of the crown (or the tooth). Ensuring good bone density, therefore, is as important to your dental health as it is to your overall wellness. The implant needs full support within the bone to ensure the tooth on top is as strong as your natural teeth. If you do not have sufficient volume of bone present, you will need a bone graft first.

A bone graft is used to help recreate bone and the soft supportive tissues required for dental implants.

There are numerous types of bone grafts a professional will use, but here are the four main categories they fall into:

1. Autograft – This is when the bone is used from your own mouth
2. Allograft – This uses bone that is genetically similar to your own bone
3. Xenograft – This uses bone that is genetically dissimilar
4. Synthetic – This type of bone is not real, but it is biocompatible material

Most patients that require a bone graft have lost significant bone volume due to denture damage, tooth gaps, and decay or gum disease.

How Bone Grafts Work with Dental Implants

Bone grafts can be done at the same time your implants are installed but will depend on the amount of bone being grafted. If the bone graft must be done first, your dentist will create a timeline for the treatment that you must follow. If the implant is installed too early, the graft may not have adequate time to seal and harden.

Luckily, bone grafts do not cause severe pain. You may experience minor discomfort similar to other oral procedures. You will also be given medication to control the pain and any swelling, but most discomfort will subside within 24 to 48 hours. The technology used at Dr. Cyrus’s office is state-of-the-art and ensures as little pain as possible for both the graft and implants.

If you need bone grafting for your implants or you have questions about your overall dental care, come see Dr. Cyrus.

Give us a call at 416-287-2426 today to schedule an appointment.