If you have been missing one or several teeth for a period of time or if you have damaged teeth, you may be considering getting a dental implant. With a dental implant, new teeth are surgically implanted into your jaw using metal posts to give you a healthier, more beautiful smile and better function of your teeth. However, in order for this type of surgery to be successful, the dental implant must be completed in an area of the mouth where the bone is strong and healthy enough to support the implantation of the metal posts.
Facial bones will unfortunately begin to deteriorate over time when you do not have a full set of healthy teeth in your mouth. While the bone will not entirely go away, it generally may become too thin or too weak to accommodate a dental implant. The most common remedy that a maxillofacial surgeon may use to remedy this situation is a bone graft.
If a bone graft is required or recommended by a maxillofacial surgeon as part of your dental implant process, the surgeon may feel as though your bone is not strong enough to accommodate the implant. A bone graft is a rather simple type of surgery that supplements the existing bone with new bone. While it was common at one time for this bone to come from other areas of the patient’s body, it is now more common for synthetic or animal bone to be used.
When a bone graft is recommended, the dental implantation process is slightly different. First, the tooth is removed, and the bone graft procedure is completed. The area must heal fully before the dental implant can be completed, and this healing process may take several months.
When one or more of your teeth is missing or damaged, the function of your mouth and the look of your smile can be negatively affected. You may have difficulty talking, eating, drinking and performing other basic functions, but these can be remedied with a bone graft and implant. In addition, a bone graft and dental impact can improve the structure of your jaw and your smile with beautiful results.
Whether you are struggling with a damaged tooth, you have a missing tooth or you have been told that your facial bones will not support a dental implant, a bone graft may be the best remedy. With a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Patel, you can learn more about this relatively painless procedure, and you can determine if it is recommended for your situation. Contact our offices today at (703) 436-4633 to book your initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you!
Blog Lorton VA, Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery
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