At Surdel Dental Centre in Delta our dentists can use dental implants to restore the appearance and function of our patient's smiles. That said, if you lack healthy bone to support the implants, you may require a bone graft before implants can be placed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants from Surdel Dental Centre can be a natural looking way to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. Some of the benefits of dental implants include helping to maintain facial structure, and preventing remaining teeth from becoming loose and shifting out of position.
Nonetheless, getting dental implants is not always an entirely straight forward process. For patients who have suffered significant bone deterioration or bone loss, a bone graft may be required to strengthen the jaw before implants can be placed.
Bone Grafting
Getting a bone graft involves a dental surgeon 'grafting' material taken from another part of your body (or a synthetic bone material) onto the area of your jaw where the implants will be placed. After your bone graft heals it helps to strengthen your existing jawbone in order to create a stable base for the dental implants.
If you'd like to replace missing teeth with dental implants, but your jaw bone isn't strong enough to support to the implants, you will need a bone graft before the implant process can begin.
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft
Factors that determine whether you will need a bone graft before dental implants include, the number of dental implants you require, and the overall condition of your jaw bone. If you would like dental implants to replace your missing teeth, visit your dentist at Surdel Dental Centre for a consultation to discuss whether you will require a bone graft.
Types of Bone Grafts
To strengthen your jaw and support dental implants, your dentist may recommend one of two different types of bone grafting procedures.
Minor Bone Graft
- Patients with less severe bone deterioration may be able to have a minor bone graft. A minor bone graft can be performed at the same time as the implant is being surgically placed.
Significant Bone Graft
- More severe bone deterioration will require a significant bone graft. This type of bone graft may take up to nine months to heal before the dental implant process can begin.
Dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement option for you if you have experienced significant bone deterioration, or injury to your jaw. Contact your Delta dentist to find out more about other tooth replacement options that may be right for you.