Having a damaged or missing tooth can cause self confidence issues for many. With modern dental implant technology, it is easier than ever to replace your missing tooth. Before you get an implant, the oral surgeon will need to make sure you have a sufficient jawbone. If you don’t, you might be an ideal candidate for a bone graft. A bone graft helps to increase bone density and the strength of your jawbone. Once the bone grafting is complete, your jawbone will be strong and dense enough to support an implant.

Uses For Bone Grafts

Bone grafts are used to accomplish the following treatment goals:

• Saving Teeth. Severe periodontal disease can cause bone loss. The bone around the tooth can be regenerated in order to save the tooth. This increases bone support and helps keep teeth in place.
• Tooth Extraction. Bone grafting material can be placed in a tooth socket after the tooth has been removed. This gives you the option to replace the tooth with a dental implant.
• Dental Implants. A realistic looking dental crown can be attached to a small titanium post embedded in the jawbone. This gives you a permanent replacement to your lost tooth.

If you need a bone graft before receiving a dental implant, this will be done in stages. You can’t receive the bone graft and implant all in one visit.

The treatment time frame can vary depending on the size of the bone graft and implant. If you have a missing or damaged tooth but your jawline isn’t strong enough or dense enough for an implant, a bone graft is a great treatment option. Call our office today to learn more and schedule your consultation.

If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, you may be considering getting a dental implant to restore your smile. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing or damaged teeth, but are they right for you?

Dental implants have helped many restore their smile and give them a natural and realistic look. A dental implant can help your smile by:

• Helping Restore Your Appearance. The most common reason for a dental implant is to restore your smile. Dental implants are made to last forever. This permanent solution gives you a natural looking replacement, helping to restore your smile.
• Protecting A Healthy Jawbone. Missing teeth and spaces can lead to jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are the only option to protect and preserve a healthy jawbone. When it comes to protecting your jawbone, the sooner you get your dental implant the better.
• Preventing Your Teeth From Shifting. Losing a tooth can cause your teeth to begin shifting. Teeth can become crowded, shift unevenly, and look unnatural. It can also cause your face to sag and appear sunken.

Dental implants are common and one of the most useful procedures if you have a lost or damaged tooth. If you are considering getting a dental implant, we will be happy to speak with you in more detail regarding all of your options. To learn more about dental implants and to have any of your questions answered, contact our office today.