Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. Over time, the jawbone where the tooth once was starts to weaken and shrink. If your implant dentist told you that you need a bone graft before getting dental implants, it’s likely because there isn’t enough bone left to support the implant properly.

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a procedure where a small amount of bone, either from your own body, a donor, or synthetic material, is added to your jaw. This extra bone helps rebuild and strengthen the area, giving the dental implant a solid foundation to attach to. Without this, the implant may not stay in place long-term.

Why Is Bone Density Important?

Dental implants need strong, healthy bone to fuse with. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area starts to break down because it no longer has the pressure and stimulation from the tooth.

In many cases, the bone becomes too thin or weak to support an implant without some help. That’s where a bone graft comes in—it helps regenerate enough bone to create a stable base for the implant.

Do I Really Need a Bone Graft?

Not everyone needs a bone graft before getting dental implants, but it’s common for people who have:

• Been Missing Teeth for a Long Time: The longer a tooth has been gone, the more bone loss occurs.
• Gum Disease: Severe gum disease can also lead to bone loss around the teeth, making a graft necessary before an implant.
• Jawbone That’s Too Thin or Weak: Some people naturally have thinner bone in their jaw, which might not be strong enough for implants.

How Does Your Dentist Evaluate If You Need a Bone Graft?

Before recommending a bone graft, your dentist will carefully evaluate your jawbone to determine if it’s strong enough to support dental implants. This evaluation typically involves:

X-rays and 3D Scans

These imaging techniques allow your dentist to get a detailed view of your jawbone structure. They can see if there’s enough bone density in the area where the implant will be placed.

Oral Health Assessment

Your dentist will check the overall health of your gums and remaining teeth. If you’ve had gum disease or other oral issues, these may contribute to bone loss, increasing the likelihood that a graft will be needed.

Bone Density Measurement

Your dentist may measure the thickness and height of your jawbone in the implant area. If the bone has deteriorated or thinned over time, this will help your dentist decide if a graft is necessary.

What Happens During a Bone Graft Procedure?

The bone graft procedure is straightforward. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gum to access the area needing the bone. After that, they place the graft material in the targeted spot.

Over the next few months, your body will heal, building new bone around the graft. As the new bone grows and strengthens, your jaw becomes ready for the dental implant procedure.

Need to Schedule an Appointment with an Implant Dentist?

A bone graft might seem like an extra-step, but it’s an important part of making sure your dental implants last a lifetime. Without enough bone, implants can’t properly fuse to your jaw, leading to complications down the road. If you’ve been told you need a bone graft, it’s a necessary step to ensure your implants are strong and stable.

Contact Richard Newhart DDS today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the bone graft process and whether it’s right for you.