At Jubilee Dental Centre in Summerland our dentist offers dental implants to help restore the appearance and function of patient's smiles. But, if you've experienced bone deterioration due to missing teeth or oral health issues, you may require a bone graft before implants can be placed. Our dentist explains more...
What are dental implants?
Dental implants from Jubilee Dental Centre can be an ideal way for many people to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of their smile. Some of the benefits of dental implants as a tooth replacement option include helping to maintain facial structure, and preventing remaining teeth from becoming loose and shifting out of position.
That said, getting dental implants is not always as straight forward as you may expect. For patients who have suffered significant bone deterioration or bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary before the implant process can begin.
What is a bone graft?
A bone grafting procedure involves a dental surgeon 'grafting' material taken from another part of your body (or a synthetic bone material) onto the area of your jaw where the implants will be placed. Once the bone graft has had sufficient time to heal it helps to strengthen the existing jawbone in order to create a stable base for dental implants.
If you're considering replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, but your jaw bone isn't strong enough to support to the implants, you will require a bone graft.
Who needs bone grafting for dental implants?
Some of the factors that determine whether you will need a bone graft include, the overall condition of your jaw bone and the number of dental implants you plan to have placed .
If you're interested in dental implants to replace your missing teeth, visit your dentist at Jubilee Dental Centre for a consultation, and to discuss whether or not you will need a bone graft.
Are there different kinds of bone grafts?
Depending on the overall condition of your jaw, your dentist may recommend one of two different types of bone grafting procedures.
Minor Bone Graft
- Patients with less severe bone deterioration may be able to have a minor bone graft. A minor bone graft can be performed at the same time as the implant is being surgically placed.
Significant Bone Graft
- More severe bone deterioration will require a significant bone graft. This type of bone graft may take up to nine months to heal before the dental implant process can begin.
How do I know which tooth replacement option is right for me?
Dental implants may not be the fastest, easiest or best tooth replacement option for you if you have experienced significant bone deterioration, or injury to your jaw. Nonetheless there are a range of other natural looking tooth replacement options that could help you to restore your smile. Contact your dentist to discuss which tooth replacement option is right for you.