Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. But what happens when your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft for the procedure? That's where bone grafting in Palm Beach Gardens comes in.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with material from the patient's own body, an artificial, synthetic, or natural substitute. The graft not only replaces missing bone, but also helps your body regrow lost bone. This new bone growth strengthens the grafted area by forming a bridge between your existing bone and the graft material. This process leads to volume preservation and a solid base for dental implant placement.
Dental implants require a certain amount of bone for successful placement. If your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft, you may need a bone graft before you can have dental implant surgery. This is because the powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts great pressure on your bone, and if it can't support the implant, the surgery likely would fail. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant.
The jawbone's quality, encompassing its density and volume, plays a pivotal role in the stability and longevity of dental implants. This foundation is essential because the implant—a titanium post—needs to osseointegrate or fuse with the natural bone to provide a sturdy base for the artificial tooth that will be mounted atop it.
For dental implants to be successful, the jawbone must be thick and dense enough to support the implant. Without sufficient bone, the implant might not withstand the everyday forces exerted by chewing, leading to implant failure. This concern is where bone grafting comes into play as a preparatory step for many patients considering dental implants.
The process of bone grafting involves placing a granulated bone graft material into the site where the bone is missing. This material acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow on and, over time, your body replaces the graft material with your own healthy bone. This creates a stronger, more stable foundation for your dental implant.
The recovery time after a bone graft procedure varies depending on the individual and the specifics of the surgery. It typically takes several months for the bone graft to create enough new bone to support a dental implant. Once healed, the dental implant can be placed. The implant itself requires a healing period before the artificial tooth or teeth can be attached.
If you're missing teeth and considering dental implants, don't let a lack of bone deter you. Dr. Alex Gaeta and the team at Intercoastal Dental are here to help. With advanced procedures like bone grafting, we can create a strong foundation for your dental implants, helping you reclaim your smile and your confidence. Call us today at (561) 401-0532 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
