You finally plucked up the courage to talk to your dentist about replacing your missing teeth. They suggested dental implants, and after learning that implants are basically indistinguishable from real teeth, you couldn’t be more excited to start the treatment process. There’s just one issue: Your dentist said you needed a bone grafting procedure before you could get dental implants. Why is this the case? And what exactly is a dental bone graft in West Bloomfield? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Dental Bone Grafting?
Dental bonding grafting is a surgical procedure that involves repairing a damaged or weakened jawbone by transplanting healthy bone tissue. This bone tissue can be synthetic or can come from an animal, a donor, or even elsewhere on a patient’s body. After the healthy tissue has been grafted onto the jawbone, it takes several months of healing before the bone is strong enough to support dental implants.
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?
It’s actually quite common for patients to need bone grafting before they can get dental implants in West Bloomfield. You’re more likely to require a bone graft if you’re missing a significant number of teeth or if it has been a while since your tooth loss. This is because the jawbone begins to deteriorate immediately after a tooth is lost.
Your jawbone’s only job is to support your teeth. If a tooth is lost, then the bone starts to atrophy because it has no work to do. Additionally, your jawbone is fortified whenever you eat. Every time you bite or chew, the force travels through the roots of your teeth and into your jawbone, stimulating it to keep it strong. Without this stimulation, the bone gradually shrinks.
The good news is that bone grafting can give your jawbone the strength it possessed when you still had all of your teeth.
Is Dental Bone Grafting Painful?
Most patients are actually pleasantly surprised by how comfortable their bone grafting procedures were! One major reason for this is that the jawbone contains very few nerves that are capable of sensing pain.
Of course, your dentist and their team will still do their utmost to make you feel comfortable throughout your procedure. They’ll administer a local numbing agent before beginning to ensure that your experience is painless. Afterward, you’ll most likely be given prescription-strength pain medication to soothe any soreness you may feel over the next few days.
If your dentist has told you that you need a bone graft before getting dental implants, don’t worry. This procedure is quite common and perfectly safe. Plus, it will give the implants you eventually receive the strong foundation they need to last for decades to come!
About the Practice
At LakeView Family Dental, patients of all ages in the West Bloomfield, MI area can get all of their oral healthcare needs addressed under one roof. Our expert dentists are able to provide start-to-finish dental implant care, including preliminary procedures like bone grafting. To learn more about how our team can make your dental implant treatment a safe and effective one, contact our office at 248-363-3304.