When patients are recommended to get dental implants, they often picture the final result, where their smile is restored and looks and feels natural, as if nothing happened. But what many do not realise is that for an implant to succeed, it needs a strong foundation in the jawbone.
Sometimes, the jawbone is not strong enough or thick enough to support an implant on its own. In these cases, a bone graft for dental implant placement may be recommended to ensure the implant has a proper foundation to hold on to. While the term might sound intimidating, bone grafting is a common, well-researched procedure that helps make implants possible for many patients.
Let’s take a closer look at a bone graft procedure and why it is needed in some dental implant cases.
What is a Bone Graft in Dentistry?
A bone graft is a procedure that’s done where the bone, or a bone-like material, is added to the jaw to create a stable base for an implant. Over time, the graft material fuses with your natural bone, encouraging new bone growth in a process known as osseointegration.
Dentists often talk about dental implants and bone grafts together, because without enough bone, the implant screw (which acts as the tooth root) will not be secure when attached. What many should also know is that bone grafting is no longer experimental or new in the dentistry field. In fact, it’s already been used for decades, with research showing predictable and reliable results when performed under the right conditions.
Why Do Some People Need a Bone Graft Before Implants?
When you are advised to get a dental implant, it does not mean you automatically get a dental implant bone grafting procedure. Whether you do or not depends on different factors, including the quality, density, and volume of your existing jawbone.
Here are some other reasons why your dentist sees that you can benefit from a bone graft before your dental implant procedure:
- Bone loss after tooth removal (extraction): The jawbone naturally starts to shrink once a tooth is removed. This process is called bone resorption, which may reduce the height and width of bone available for an implant. Studies suggest up to 50% of bone width can be lost within 12 months after extraction if no grafting is done.
- Gum disease history: Periodontal (gum) disease can weaken and destroy the bone that supports teeth, making implant placement more challenging.
- Injury or trauma: Accidents can cause fractures or bone defects. When that happens, a bone graft is helpful to hold the implant securely to the teeth.
- Natural bone structure: Some patients are simply born with thinner bone in certain areas, which is why they are recommended to have a bone graft done before a dental implant treatment.
So, to answer the common question,“are bone grafts necessary for dental implants?”,the decision depends on a detailed exam done by your dentist. They may likely take a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan to measure bone density and volume accurately.
What Happens During the Bone Grafting Procedure?
Now that we have already understood why a bone graft is necessary, it’s time to know how a bone grafting procedure is done. The dental implant bone grafting procedure is usually done as a separate step before the implant is placed, but in some cases, both can be carried out during the same appointment. Your dentist will recommend the best approach depending on your jawbone condition and the complexity of the treatment.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Assessment
Before the procedure, your dentist will carry out a thorough review of your oral health and bone structure using a CBCT scan. Your medical history will also be reviewed, since health conditions like diabetes or smoking habits can affect healing. - Preparation
On the day of treatment, the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic so you remain comfortable throughout. In more complex grafts, sedation or general anaesthesia may also be offered, especially for sinus lifts or large grafts. - Graft placement
Once the site is prepared, the dentist carefully positions the chosen graft material. The graft can be in the form of tiny granules (particulate) or a small solid block, depending on how much bone is needed. - Stabilisation and protection
To keep the graft in place and prevent soft tissue from growing into the healing area, a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane is often placed over it. This barrier helps direct natural bone cells into the grafted site, improving the chances of success. - Suturing
The gum is gently repositioned and sutured (stitched) to protect the graft and allow healing. Stitches are usually removed after about 1–2 weeks. - Healing and integration
Over the next several months, the grafted material gradually integrates with your natural bone. Your body begins to replace the graft with living bone tissue in a process called remodelling, creating a strong and stable foundation for the future implant.
Building a Strong Foundation for Your Smile
A bone graft may sound like an extra step, but it is often an important part of ensuring your dental implant has a strong foundation. By strengthening the jaw, grafting gives the implant the best chance of working well and lasting many years.
If your dentist has suggested a bone graft for dental implant support, remember that it’s not uncommon, and research has already proved that getting a bone graft can offer a strong foundation for your dental implant procedure.
Considering dental implants in Merrylands? Talk to a qualified dentist first at Dentist Near Me Merrylands for more information about dental implants and whether you need a bone graft of not.
Consult with our dentists to know more.