Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement options. They’re also becoming more widespread for people that formerly couldn’t receive them. Bone grafting has made more patients able to experience the wonder that is dental implants. Dr. Mark Sowell discusses when bone grafting is needed for dental implants in Plano, TX.
What is Bone Grafting and What is it Used For?
Bone grafting is usually needed when you have missing teeth or have had tooth extractions. If you get a tooth extraction, you lose 30% of the bone in the year after it, and then 10% each year after that. It’s important that you get that taken care of. Bone loss can impact your oral health and causes you to have facial sagging.
Facial sagging can make you look much older than your actual age. This is something that no one wants. If you want dental implants, it’s also necessary to have your jawbone be as close to the original amount and position as possible. If you’re missing much of your bone where you’d like to get a dental implant for tooth replacement, a bone graft is required to increase the chances of success.
Autograft Bone Vs. Allograft Bone
There are two sources of bone donation for a bone graft. They’re called autograft or allograft bone. Autograft bone is taken from somewhere else on your own body. It does require the patient to undergo two procedures and there’s a risk of not enough bone being available to use. However, it’s ideal because it contains your cells and is easily accepted by your body.
Allograft bone is taken from a cadaver. It’s taken from an organ donor and is processed to ensure a safe grafting process. While it is a bit more expensive because of the processing, this is what makes it a safe choice for being grafting material. There’s always enough bone regularly available and it doesn’t require you to have two separate procedures.
How Bone Grafting Works
Grafting inserts a framework of bone material where you’re missing some. Specialized blood cells that remove damaged cells and replace them with healthy ones then come into that framework. It gives those cells what they need to start rebuilding your jawbone. Over time, that graft material will be rebuilt into your own bone, functioning the way it needs to. It gives the base that the dental implants will need.
Why Dental Implants Need Jawbone
Dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that is actually embedded in your jaw. Titanium posts are planted in your jaw for the bone to fuse with. This is what gives dental implants their unique stability. Since they replace the tooth root, they also feel and look the most like your natural teeth.
Getting Dental Implants in Plano, Texas
Are you ready to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule a consultation online to see if you’ll need a bone graft before moving forward.