Know About Getting Bone Grafts Before Dental Implants

By now, everyone has heard of dental implants. Nothing else comes close to the natural and carefree way dental implants complete a smile. The process of implantation, however, usually involves securing the implant to a strong, healthy jawbone. Now, even those with weak jawbones can enjoy a dental implant as long as they undergo a surgical procedure first. Read on and find out more.

Strong Bones Means Strong Implants

Part of what anchors your new dental implant to the tooth on top depends on the bones of your jaw. These bones, though, can become weak and unstable over time. Along with aging, bones can become weak because of medical conditions, medications, and various dental maladies like missing teeth and gum disease. Many people who plan to get dental implants but put things off don't realize that the missing tooth itself can be to blame for a weak jawbone. A missing tooth encourages the bone underneath it to disintegrate. After you express interest in having an implant, your dentist will X-ray your jawbones and evaluate them for strength.

What Is a Bone Graft?

This type of surgery has been successfully performed millions of times and complications are rare. In most cases, the graft will be performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or surgery center and you will be under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure. Small incisions are made and bone graft materials are placed alongside weakened jawbone areas. In time, these grafts will become part of your jawbone and provide strength and stability for years to come. If you have a weak and sagging jawline, the grafts could even improve your appearance.

What Is Used for the Grafts?

Bone grafts in the jaw area can be made of a variety of materials and the choices will probably be up to you.

Some people choose allografts, which use donor bone materials. This bone material is extensively cleaned, demineralized, and sanitized before use. If that makes you squeamish, you might want to consider an autologous graft. With this material, bone material is removed from your own body and relocated to where it's needed. In most cases, the process is performed in a single procedure with the bone materials being removed from your cheek and jaw area and then placed in weak areas of your jaw. Finally, animal bone materials can be used for those who cannot use other materials.

You can expect to wait a few months after the bone graft before your dental implants can be complete. To find out more about dental implants and bone grafts, speak to a dentist.