At a person’s first dental implant consultation with a skilled periodontist, they might hear that they need a bone grafting procedure before their dental implant surgery can begin. This is neither uncommon nor unexpected, especially if the person has been living without most of their teeth in one or both arches for a long time. In fact, many people who receive dental implants in San Antonio, TX, require bone grafting. There are several key reasons why.
Why May I Need A Bone Grafting Procedure Before My Dental Implants Are Placed?
Unfortunately, a person’s jawbone loses its volume, strength, and health when a tooth has been lost or extracted and is not immediately treated. Without constant stimulation from a tooth root, the jawbone begins to weaken. Not only does this cause a person’s jawbone to look sunken in, but it makes getting dental implants unwise until they have been replaced through a tooth restoration procedure.
The density of a person’s jawbone plays several important roles throughout the dental implant treatment process. If a person’s jawbone is not healthy and robust enough, the dental implant could fail. Additionally, a lack of jawbone might lead to more bone loss which could further compromise a person from getting a dental implant treatment they need. For these reasons, bone grafting before receiving dental implants in San Antonio, TX, could be a wise investment.
What Can You Expect From A Bone Grafting Procedure?
Though it might sound like bone grafting is a complicated treatment, a well-trained periodontist can make sure a patient’s bone grafting treatment is handled professionally and efficiently. Depending upon their overall treatment plan, a patient may be able to have a bone grafting procedure on the same day as their dental implant placement.
However, if patients have to have separate appointments for these procedures, bone grafting can still be a reliable method to ensure that their dental implant investment is successful and lasting.
How Are Dental Implants Placed After A Bone Grafting Procedure?
When the patient’s jawbone is healed and structurally sound after a bone grafting procedure, the patient can then get the dental implant treatment they need and deserve. With a healthy jawbone, a patient’s dental implants can be stable, strong, and long lasting.
Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants do not just sit on top of a patient’s gums. The dental implant post—the part that acts like a tooth root—is strategically placed in the patient’s jawbone. Over time, the dental implant post fuses with the surrounding jawbone just like a natural tooth root would. After the fusion (called osseointegration) occurs, the dental implant becomes a strong, stable support for dental prostheses and crowns.
We Can Treat You With Bone Grafting And Dental Implants In San Antonio, TX
At Excel Dental & Implant Center, our team works with many dental implant patients who require bone grafting. We would be pleased to have the chance to discuss dental implants with you and let you know whether you are an immediate candidate or may need other treatments first, including bone grafting.
Don’t wait to restore the look and function of your imperfect smile. Our compassionate, dedicated, and experienced team can give you the smile of your dreams. Get in contact with Dr. Andrew J. Weber and our excellent team at our Excel Dental and Implant Center office to schedule an appointment today!
