Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants

Missing teeth can affect your oral functions and self-confidence and also cause bone loss. Dental implants are a long-lasting solution and can restore your smile. However, to qualify for dental implants, you should have enough jawbone density to anchor the implant studs. 

At Alencar Family Dentistry in Chesapeake, Virginia, Dr. O uses bone grafts to strengthen the existing bone and ensure your candidature for dental implants. 

When Is Bone Grafting Needed?

The tooth roots normally stimulate the jawbone when you chew or bite down. Bone grafting is most often recommended after tooth loss as the jawbone can begin to shrink due to a lack of tooth stimulation. Progressive bone recession can lead to more tooth loss and change your facial appearance.

A bone grafting procedure is conducted before going ahead with the dental implant surgery. Dental implant posts are dependent on the surrounding bone tissue for support. And, if you have suffered bone loss, there is a high possibility of implant failure. By restoring the jawbone, the success of the implant procedure can be assured.

Preparing for Bone Grafting

Before recommending a bone graft, our dentist Dr. Jayme A. Oliveira will thoroughly evaluate your jawbone and overall dental health. X-rays and scans will help the dentist assess your jawbone’s density and stability and identify areas of tissue loss. Then, the required size and location of the graft can be determined.

In addition to planning your grafting process, Dr. O will also instruct you on how to ensure the success of the surgery. If you smoke, you need to quit at least three weeks before the procedure. Medications like anticoagulants and aspirin have to be stopped for some time. You should also follow a healthy diet consisting of proteins and green leafy vegetables to promote quick healing.

What Is the Process for Bone Grafting?

Dr. Jayme A. Oliveira will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before starting the process. Once you are comfortable, the dentist will make a tiny incision in the gum and place the bone graft. A unique membrane may be placed over the graft to encourage tissue regeneration. Finally, Dr. O will close the incision with sutures once the bone graft has been secured in place. Over the next couple of months, the bone graft will fuse with the surrounding tissue. This process is known as osseointegration. 


If your jawbone cannot support a dental implant, bone grafting can help. To learn more, visit Alencar Family Dentistry at 711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320, or call (757) 546-0301.

Location

711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Office Hours

MON - FRI 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: joliveira@alencarfamilydentistry.com

Phone: (757) 546-0301

Click Here to Book Your Appointment!