Before the Implant: Why Bone and Tissue Grafting May Be the First Step

If you have decided to get dental implants, first, please let us say congratulations! It’s a big step in taking charge of your smile, your oral health, and your confidence, too. And before you know it, you’ll have a brilliant smile that feels and looks just as good, if not better than your natural teeth did all those years ago.

That said, you may have been informed that you are in need of bone and tissue grafting as one of the first steps in the dental implant process. And if so, you may have questions. That’s why we want to take the time to answer those questions by explaining why bone loss happens in the first place, what bone and tissue grafting is, and why we might be suggesting it for you. 

Why Bone Loss Happens

Let’s start by addressing what causes bone loss. More specifically, what causes bone loss in the jaw, and why is that such a big deal for those who want dental implants as a tooth replacement solution?

To put it simply, your natural teeth help keep your jawbone healthy and strong. When you chew, bite, and even speak, it helps stimulate your jawbone. But when you lose those teeth, or something happens with your oral health, the natural result is less stimulation. This means that your jawbone is no longer getting the exercise it needs to stay healthy. And so, your body starts to reabsorb the bone. This means less bone density, otherwise known as jawbone loss.

Here are some of the top contributors to bone loss.

• Tooth loss or tooth extraction
• Dental trauma or injury to the mouth
• Periodontal disease and untreated gum infections
• Aging and natural bone changes over time
• Genetics and inherited oral health conditions
• Certain medications that affect bone density
• Osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Poor oral hygiene habits over many years

What Bone and Tissue Grafting Does 

If you have experienced bone loss, it can reduce the likelihood of a successful dental implant experience. That’s why we often turn to bone and tissue grafting. Basically, this process rebuilds your jawbone. 

During the procedure, Dr. Spencer places grafting material into the area where bone has been lost. Over time, your body begins to accept that material and build new bone around it. Think of it as giving your jaw a stronger foundation before placing the implant. 

In some cases, tissue grafting may also be recommended to help restore gum tissue around the missing tooth area. This can help provide healthier support for your future implant and make your smile look more natural once treatment is complete.

When Grafting Is Recommended 

If we determine you do not need grafting, the dental implant process typically takes about three to six months from your first consultation until you are feeling pretty well healed. For those who need a bone and tissue graft, this process takes two to three months longer because healing is required before we can continue the procedure.

So this raises the question: When is bone and tissue grafting recommended before dental implants? And there are several situations in which grafting may be recommended before proceeding with dental implants. Every patient is different, which is why Dr. Spencer carefully evaluates your jawbone, gums, and overall oral health before creating your treatment plan.

Here are some of the most common reasons we may suggest bone or tissue grafting before dental implant treatment:

• You have been missing a tooth for a long time
• Your jawbone has lost volume or density
• You have advanced periodontal disease
• A tooth was removed because of infection or severe decay
• You experienced facial or dental trauma
• Your sinuses sit too close to the upper jaw for implant placement
• Your gums have receded around the missing tooth area
• Previous dentures or missing teeth have changed your bite over time
• You want the implant to have stronger long-term support

What to Expect From the Bone and Tissue Grafting Process

As we said, getting a bone and tissue graft can add a bit of time to the overall process. But most patients agree that it is completely worth the extra wait because it means a successful procedure that results in a long-lasting, beautiful smile. 

It all starts with an evaluation in our office, complete with dental imaging, so that we know what we’re working with. Then, we’ll schedule your procedure, which will take about 90 minutes, more or less, depending on your unique oral health situation. After that, you move into the healing phase, which typically takes a few months. We will monitor your healing and work with you to determine the best time to continue the dental implant process.

Build First, Then Restore 

Think of your jawbone as the foundation of a house. If the foundation is crumbling and uneven, your house will likely be unstable. This can be dangerous for you and everyone who lives in the house. 

It’s similar to your jawbone and dental implants. If your jawbone isn’t as strong as possible, the dental implant process is likely to fail. This can mean pain, discomfort, and disappointment for you. And since dental implants have a success rate of 92.5% or higher, we want to do what we can to make sure you’re not among the 7.5% who fail.

Schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Stephen J. Spencer today.

Are you ready for a stronger, healthier smile? Are you wondering if you need bone and tissue grafting before you get dental implants? The best way to get the answers to these questions and more is to schedule a restorative dentistry consultation with your Great Falls dentist today. 

It all starts with getting on our calendar. Your dentist in Great Falls, Montana, looks forward to partnering with you on your new smile soon.