Are you planning on getting dental implants to fill in the gaps in your smile? If so, it’s important to have an accurate idea of what you can expect during the process. In many cases, your periodontist may recommend having bone grafting performed before you receive your implant posts. But is this preliminary procedure always necessary? Here’s a closer look at how bone grafting works and whether it’s possible to have dental implants placed without it.
What Exactly is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a type of surgical procedure that is performed to replace lost bone tissue. It typically involves transplanting bone from another part of your body, such as your chin or your hip. (Sometimes the tissue might come from a separate human donor or an animal instead.) Once the grafting material has been applied, it will encourage the growth of new bone tissue, thus reversing any deterioration that has taken place in the jawbone.
Is It Possible to Have Dental Implants Placed Without Bone Grafting?
The answer to this question depends on your unique situation. A certain level of bone density is required to support dental implant posts. Thus, the amount of bone present in your jaw will ultimately determine whether you can get dental implants without bone grafting.
If bone density is sufficiently high, it may be possible to have dental implants placed right away. But if it has been a while since you lost your teeth, there’s a good chance that bone grafting will be required. This is because the jawbone relies on stimulation from your teeth to remain healthy and strong; without this stimulation, it will start to deteriorate, resulting in a lack of bone density that needs to be corrected prior to dental implant surgery.
It’s worth noting that patients who choose the All-on-4 procedure tend to be less likely to need bone grafting. All-on-4 implants are placed at specific angles that allow them to take advantage of the parts of the jaw where the bone is naturally thicker. As a result, even if some level of bone loss has already occurred, All-on-4 can still be a viable option.
Will You Need Bone Grafting Before Dental Implant Placement?
To answer this question, you will need to schedule a consultation with your periodontist. They can use state-of-the-art technology to evaluate your jawbone and determine how much bone density is present. Then, they’ll let you know whether bone grafting is required or not based on their findings.
In short, not every patient will need to undergo a bone grafting procedure, but sometimes the treatment may be necessary to allow you to successfully rebuild your smile with sturdy dental implants.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he received his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He has previously served as the chair for the Worcester District Dental Society, and he is a faculty study club member and study club leader for Spear Education. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, he offers bone grafting, dental implant placement, and other advanced procedures. If you’re thinking of getting dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman at his practice in Worcester by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
