When Bone Grafting Is Recommended for Dental Implants

A dental implant needs a strong foundation. The jawbone and its surrounding tissues must be thick enough to support the titanium rod and the artificial tooth above the gumline. A complete assessment can determine if you need this pre-implant surgery. Here are the details on why your periodontist may recommend bone grafting before getting a dental implant.

When a bone graft is necessary

A periodontist will order dental X-rays and digital scans to see underneath the gum tissue. The diagnostic imaging will show how dense the jawbones are. Longstanding tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma can result in thin jawbone sections. These areas may not be able to support the titanium rod. Missing back teeth may cause the sinus cavity to expand toward the available bone for the dental implant. These scenarios will need bone grafting and sinus lifting.

Bone grafting benefits

Assessing the patient’s upper and lower jawbones is necessary before dental implant surgery. This exam will determine if the individual is a good candidate for the procedure. Bone grafting is necessary if the jawbone has thinning sections. Below are the benefits of getting this treatment before getting a dental implant.

Advancements in this field of dentistry have opened the doors to patients with thinning jawbones. An individual who needs implants may not have adequate jawbone for the surgery. Even so, the patient can still get a dental implant through an effective bone grafting surgery. The improved dental implant stability can create a solid foundation for the restoration. The thickened jawbone promotes proper osseointegration. This process prevents possible implant failure and movement and ensures the restoration’s stability.

The patient can get better aesthetics with bone grafting. Research shows that tooth loss results in inadequate jawbone strength. This weak foundation leads to a collapsed or sunken appearance. Bone grafting can restore the deteriorated jawbone sections. The periodontist can then attach the titanium rod to a specific area of the jawbone. The dental implant procedure can then result in a natural-looking smile with high aesthetic value.

Needing a sinus lift

Studies reveal that a person may need a sinus lift if a bone graft is necessary. There are cases in which two surgical preparations are necessary before the dental implant. A bone graft thickens the lower jawbone, while a sinus lift thickens the upper one. This upper jaw procedure is for missing back teeth close to a sinus cavity. The bone in this area may thin out, resulting in a larger sinus cavity. Both pre-implant surgeries can lead to the possible success of the dental restoration.