Bone Grafts before Dental Implant Surgery
There are a number of factors that can cause tooth loss, including trauma or disease. Many patients in Brooklyn are actively seeking a solution for missing teeth. The good news is that there are options available that offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth; these tooth replacement options can boost an individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Dental implants have become an extremely popular procedure in modern cosmetic dentistry, offering a secure and permanent solution to people who are missing teeth. The key to achieving a winning smile is to find an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist who can successfully place dental implants, restoring the function and appearance of your smile.
Introduction to Dental Implants
A dental implant is a metal or titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. During the process of osseointegration, the jawbone fuses around the titanium or metal post. This process will take anywhere from three and five months to occur, as it takes time for the bone to grow around the dental implant. Once this growth is complete, the dental implant provides a strong and permanent anchor for the tooth restoration. Throughout the healing process, your dentist will check the implant to ensure that it will support the replacement tooth. If your dentist feels as though the growth has progressed far enough, a custom-made replacement tooth is fabricated to fill the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth.
During the osseointegration process, a temporary tooth restoration will be placed. After the healing process is complete, this temporary fabrication will be replaced by the permanent tooth restoration. The permanent restoration is crafted to look and feel like your natural tooth or teeth, providing an indistinguishable difference.
The Necessity of Bone Grafts Prior to Surgery
If the patient’s jawbone is not thick enough or the jawbone is too soft to support the implant, bone grafting may be needed prior to the actual dental implant surgery. Because the daily pressures of chewing is extremely powerful, it will exert extreme stress on the jawbone. If the jawbone isn’t strong enough to support the implant, it will not provide a sturdy enough foundation for the replacement teeth. The bone graft will provide a more solid base for the implant.
When a bone graft is needed, the dentist will transfer bone from another area of the jaw or the body. The amount of bone that is needed will depend on the degree of jaw deterioration.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The dental implants and dental restoration procedures offered at Brooklyn Heights Dental offer many benefits to patients. Dental implants are stable, reliable, and easy to maintain. The typical problems that are commonly associated with missing teeth such as gum recession and bone loss will not occur, and the function of the teeth and mouth is fully restored.
Learn More about Implant Dentistry
If you are seeking an advanced, reliable, and stress-free method of replacing missing teeth, schedule a consultation with the staff of Brooklyn Heights Dental. The team at the practice can educate you on the procedure and determine if you are a good candidate for treatment.