You’re ready to receive dental implants! The idea of getting these high-tech tooth replacements can be exciting, so it’s understandable if you’re a bit confused when your dentist says something about needing a bone graft. Why can’t you skip the graft and go straight to the dental implant treatment? Do you really need one, or is this just something that’s “strongly recommended”?
It’s true that not everyone requires bone grafting, but if your dentist is recommending it, there’s likely a good reason. Keep reading to learn why you might need this preliminary treatment.
Why You Might Need a Bone Graft
Basically, dental implants rely heavily on your jawbone for support. This is also true for natural teeth. You see, pearly whites have to be anchored down by something strong and hardy, otherwise, they would fall right out of your mouth. Your gums help hold them in place by wrapping around the crown, while your jawbone houses the dental roots – sort of like how soil surrounds tree roots.
Instead of roots, of course, dental implants have titanium posts. But regardless, insufficient jawbone mass is known to result in treatment failure.
How Tooth Loss Triggers Jawbone Loss
You might have a thin jawbone for various reasons. Developmental abnormalities, gum disease, and facial injuries name just a few things that can cause deterioration. One of the more common culprits, however, is tooth loss.
Your jawbone and teeth form a symbiotic relationship. The bone holds your teeth in place – and your teeth provide essential circulation by passing sensory information along their roots. When teeth go missing, nutrients don’t get transported to your jawbone, and it actually starts to be reabsorbed by your body.
What a Bone Graft Accomplishes
As wild as that probably sounds, bone graft treatments are possibly even more strange! By “borrowing” bone matter from other parts of your body or from external sources, your dentist can add mass to your jaw. Thanks to the reinforcement, you’ll be able to successfully support dental implants.
At the end of the day, the only way to know whether you need a bone graft or not is to consult with your dentist. Modern X-rays are capable of capturing detailed images of your jaw, so they should be able to tell right away. Rest assured, if a bone graft is the right next step for you, it will only promote the longevity and success of your dental implants!
About the Practice
Dr. Melody Stampe and Dr. Tamara Gater are highly experienced dentists. Both are active members of several professional organizations and keep their skills sharp by constantly pursuing continuing education opportunities. If you’re considering dental implants in Richardson, they’ll thoroughly evaluate your preliminary treatment needs and make sure you receive quality care! To contact their office for a consultation, call 972-231-9499.