Do you plan to have a dental implant placed in your mouth to replace a missing tooth? You may not be aware that your jawbone needs to be healthy for the procedure to happen. It is possible that your dentist will require a bone graft as a way to strengthen your jawbone before placing the implant in your mouth. Here's what you should know about the bone graft procedure.
Why Is A Bone Graft Needed?
Many people select dental implants because they are a great way to secure an artificial tooth in your mouth with long lasting results. That's all due to the integrations that happens with the titanium post and your jawbone, which forms a bond so strong that it is similar to how a tooth's natural root is secured in your mouth. If your jawbone is not dense enough, your dentist will recommend a bone graft to move forward with the dental implant.
Your dentist will take some x-rays of your mouth to get an idea of how thick and dense your jawbone actually is. You'll also be questioned about your health, because habits like smoking can have an effect on your jawbone's overall health. You may also have an immune disorder that will make it difficult to get a dental implant without a bone graft, which is due to how your body heals.
How Is A Bone Graft Performed?
When you receive a bone graft, it involves taking artificial bone material or existing bone material from your body, and fusing it to your jawbone to make it stronger. It takes several months for the bone to completely fuse to your jawbone, which will allow a dentist to move forward with placing the dental implant.
Over those months, you'll need to return to the dentist for them to monitor how the bone graft is healing. X-rays will be used to see what is happening underneath your gums.
What Happens A Bone Graft Isn't Performed?
While it is possible to get a dental implant without a bone graft, you run the risk of the implant failing to integrate with the jawbone. You'll end up having to return to the dentist to have the implant removed due to it not forming that crucial bond that the post needs to be strong enough for chewing. This is why your dentist may insist on performing a bone graft before you receive dental implant services.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.