Have you been considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option? Perhaps you have been told that you need a bone graft before you can move forward with dental implant surgery. If so, you are not alone. Around 50% of patients require bone grafting when they do not have sufficient bone density to support their new implants.

While this extra step is relatively routine, there are some things you should know. In this article, we’ll help answer your questions about bone grafting so that you have a successful dental implant experience near Granite Falls, MT. 

What is bone grafting?

As you know, the roots of your natural teeth are deeply embedded in your jaw bone, anchoring them securely and enabling proper chewing and speaking. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the absence of its root can cause the surrounding jaw bone to shrink over time—a process known as bone resorption. This natural decline in bone density can create challenges when preparing for dental implants, as these implants also rely on the jaw bone for stability.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which additional bone material is added to areas of the jaw that have experienced bone loss. The intent is to rebuild the bone, creating a sturdy foundation for your new dental implants. The graft material may come from your own body, a donor source, or a synthetic material.

Why is bone density important for dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to work just like the structure of natural teeth. The titanium post that is inserted into the jaw bone serves as an artificial root. For this post to integrate successfully with the jaw bone—a process known as osseointegration—the bone must have sufficient density and volume. Without adequate support, the implant may not remain stable, potentially affecting the outcome of your procedure.

When is bone grafting necessary?

Not all patients need a dental bone graft, but it is often recommended for those who have experienced bone loss that could affect the stability of tooth implants. In these cases, your dental implants will have a much higher failure rate without this additional step.

Patients should understand that bone loss is not uncommon and can occur for several reasons, including:

• Gum disease: Advanced periodontal disease can damage both the gums and underlying bone, despite your best efforts to keep your gums healthy.
• Tooth loss: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding jaw bone may shrink over time due to lack of stimulation.
• Injury or trauma: Accidents or injuries can cause bone damage in the jaw.
• Developmental issues: Some individuals naturally have thinner or weaker jaw bones.
• Chronic dental problems: Long-term untreated cavities or infections can weaken the jaw bone.

The Bone Grafting Procedure 

Though Dr. Spencer will walk you through the procedure and will answer any questions you may have, we know that sometimes patients like to do homework on their own. Here is what you can expect before, during, and after a bone grafting procedure.

Before the Procedure

We will assess your overall oral health and take X-rays or scans to fully understand the condition of your jaw bone. Local anesthesia or sedation will be used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. While you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself, you will experience some soreness throughout the recovery process. 

During the Procedure

Bone graft material is placed into the area where bone density is insufficient. As mentioned earlier, the material may come from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic source. Whether or not we use your own bone will depend on the quality of the existing bone. 

When we don’t use your own bone, we will elect one of the following options:

• Allograft: A blend of cortical and cancellous bone sourced from a human donor.
• Synthetic materials: Laboratory-created alternatives eliminate the need to use the patient’s own bone. This also reduces the number of procedures as you don’t need to retrieve bone tissue from another site, meaning a more comfortable process. 

Once positioned, the graft is secured, and the area is closed with sutures.

Healing and Recovery

Healing typically takes a few months as the graft integrates with your natural bone. You may experience mild swelling or discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Follow-up appointments will allow Dr. Spencer to monitor your progress and determine when you’re ready for tooth implants. We will keep you up to date throughout the healing process on the best timing for your dental implant surgery.

Do you need a bone graft before dental implants near Great Falls, MT?

If you want tooth implants but need a bone graft first, don’t be dismayed. Dr. Spencer and the team at Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, will work with you to create the most comfortable experience possible. And, within approximately five to eight months, you’ll have a beautiful smile that you will be excited to share with others.

Ready to get started? Request a consultation today to learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry and dental implants.