Long-lasting dental implants require two things in particular: a strong jaw bone and a generally healthy lifestyle. The second part is up to you, but when it comes to the first, your oral surgeon in Dallas can help to ensure that your mouth offers the right environment for successful dental implants. If you have been missing teeth for quite some time or have had periodontal disease, you may need to have a bone graft before you can get dental implants. Keep reading to learn more about how it works and what to expect with this procedure.
Paving the Way for Success
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that can take the place of missing teeth roots. Once they have been surgically implanted beneath the gum line, the implant posts promote the growth of bone tissue to gradually fuse together with the jaw. After this process, known as “osseointegration,” has occurred, the dental implants are able to provide a sturdy foundation for the crown, bridge, or denture that restore your smile.
Osseointegration is a wonderful thing — but if there is not sufficient jaw bone structure, or if what is there is too weak, the dental implants may not be able to fully fuse together with the jaw. This will result in implant failure. Fortunately, all hope is not lost if you do not have enough bone structure to support dental implants. A bone graft can help pave the way for a successful tooth replacement!
What to Expect from a Bone Graft
If you need to have a bone graft, your oral surgeon will be there to discuss the procedure in full so you know just what to expect. Most of the time, you will need to have the procedure first and then undergo a brief healing period before the implants can be placed. This adds time and expense to the overall implant process, but it is worth it for a long-lasting tooth replacement.
Bone grafts are performed under local anesthesia that can be combined with sedation for total relaxation. During the procedure, healthy bone tissue is harvested from elsewhere, typically in the patient’s own mouth or from elsewhere in the body. This strong tissue is then placed in the area where it is lacking. Growth factors may be used as well to speed the healing and allow you to receive your high quality tooth replacement sooner.
No Reason to Stress
A bone graft is a routine part of the dental implant placement process. Many adults will need to have one due to bone loss from periodontal disease or as a result of missing teeth. If you do, too, you can relax and feel great knowing that you are on your way to a high quality tooth replacement that will last a lifetime!
Meet the Practice
Patients searching for an “oral surgeon near me” in Dallas would do well to check out Texas Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants. This team offers comprehensive oral surgery services from their state-of-the-art office. To learn more about dental implant procedures like bone grafting or to schedule an appointment, you are invited to contact the office at 972-960-1111.