The longer you wait to replace missing or damaged teeth with implants, the higher the possibility the procedure will require a prior bone graft.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds volume and strength to your jawbone using natural or synthetic materials. A bone graft increases the amount of bone in parts of the jaw where additional support is needed and/or where density has been lost.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Dental implants are tooth replacements that look and feel similarly to natural teeth. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone and are meant to fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. The implants have a higher chance of success if there is enough bone mass in the jaw. During your dental implant consultation at our dental practice in Harrisonburg, we’ll evaluate the area of your missing teeth to see if you have enough bone to support implants.
Bone loss can be caused by many things. For example, patients may need a bone graft to receive a dental implant if they have been missing a tooth for a while, if they have had significant periodontal disease, or if they have suffered dental trauma in the past. For these cases, a bone graft procedure is usually an effective procedure to strengthen the jawbone and improve the success of a future dental implant.
How Long Does the Bone Graft Procedure Take?
A patient cannot get implants immediately after a bone grafting procedure. Your body and the bone graft will need some time to integrate. It can take several months for full healing to occur before the dental implant procedure can happen.
Dental Implants in Harrisonburg, VA
Are you considering dental implants as an option for tooth replacement? Contact Rockingham ProDental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rigby!
