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Dental implants rely on a strong foundation in the jawbone. When bone volume is reduced or weakened, an implant may not have enough support for long-term stability. In these situations, a bone graft may be recommended before implant placement.
Table of Contents
- Do I Need A Bone Graft Before Dental Implants?
- Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss
- How Bone Grafting Helps Prepare The Jaw For Implants
- Dental Implant And Bone Grafting At AZ Max
- Oral Surgeon North Mesa, AZ
- FAQs
Do I Need A Bone Graft Before Dental Implants?
Not every patient requires bone grafting before dental implants. However, if the jawbone does not have enough height or thickness to support an implant, a bone graft may be recommended.
A bone graft helps rebuild the area of the jaw where bone has been lost. It acts as a scaffold that allows new bone to grow and strengthen the implant site.
A bone graft may be recommended if imaging shows:
- Insufficient bone volume for implant placement or esthetic requirements
- Bone loss following a previous tooth extraction
- Damage to the jawbone caused by advanced gum disease
- Bone deterioration related to injury or long-term tooth absence
It is important to note that just because there is enough bone to place the implant it does not mean that there is enough bone in the correct place to get the best outcome when it comes to esthetic and functional long term outcomes. Too many implants are placed in a position that leaves a metal margin in sight or a shadow through the tissue..
Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss
The jawbone depends on stimulation from natural tooth roots to maintain its density. When a tooth is removed or lost, that stimulation disappears.
Without this pressure from chewing forces, the body gradually begins to resorb the bone in that area.
Over time this can lead to:
- Shrinking of the jawbone
- Reduced height or width of the bone
- Changes in facial structure
Bone loss often begins within the first 3 to 6 months after tooth loss and can continue over time if the area is not restored.
How Bone Grafting Helps Prepare The Jaw For Implants
The graft material is placed in the area of deficiency, where it supports the body’s natural bone regeneration process. As healing occurs, new bone cells grow into the grafted material. This process strengthens the site and increases the amount of bone available for implant placement.
Benefits of bone grafting before implants include:
- Creating adequate bone volume for implant stability
- Improving the long-term success of implants
- Supporting proper implant positioning
- Restoring the structural foundation of the jaw
This preparation helps ensure the implant can integrate with the surrounding bone during healing.
Dental Implant And Bone Grafting At AZ Max
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our surgeons regularly evaluate patients who have been told their case is “hopeless” or that they do not qualify for dental implants because of bone loss. Our goal is to always restore the bone and gum tissue to ideal prior to placing the dental implant. We seek after the best outcomes at AZ Max. Using advanced imaging and specialized bone grafting techniques, we assess whether the jawbone can be rebuilt to support implants and esthetic demands of the patients.
In many cases, patients who were told implants were not possible became candidates after bone reconstruction.
Oral Surgeon North Mesa, AZ
Schedule a free dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in North Mesa. To book an appointment, call (480) 830-5866 or visit us at 6808 E Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ 85207.
📍Other locations
AZ Max Oral Surgery in Show Low
AZ Max Oral Surgery in Queen Creek
FAQs
How long does a bone graft need to heal before implants are placed?
In most cases, bone grafts require 3 to 6 months to heal before dental implants can be placed. Larger grafts or complex reconstruction may require 6 to 9 months of healing to allow new bone to develop and stabilize.
Are there alternatives to dental bone grafting?
In some situations, alternatives such as All-on-4 dental implants may be considered. This technique uses strategically angled implants placed in areas of the jaw where bone density is stronger, which can sometimes reduce the need for bone grafting. A full evaluation is needed to determine whether this approach is appropriate for a specific case.
Can a bone graft and dental implant be done at the same time?
Yes, in some cases a bone graft and dental implant can be placed during the same procedure. This is more likely when the amount of bone loss is limited and the implant can still achieve stability at the time of placement. Larger bone defects typically require graft healing before implants are placed.
