402-999-0613
Are you ready for dental implants with Lincoln dentist Dr. Hoffman, but have had to put your treatment on pause? Is it because you’re lacking sufficient bone structure? Don’t worry; just because you have insufficient support for the dental implant does not mean you are excluded from the procedure. In these cases of depleted jawbones, an extra step is needed to create better groundwork for the dental implant to be placed in. The common treatment is a bone graft, which you can read more about below.
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?
It may come as a surprise to some patients that they need a bone graft. “What’s wrong with my mouth?” they ask, “Am I unhealthy?” The answer is generally no. Jawbone depletion often happens as a side effect of lost teeth. However, if you allow it to continue depleting, it could lead to some serious consequences such as shifting teeth and further tooth loss. A bone graft could prevent this from happening.
While dental implants and the process of osseointegration tend to strengthen the jawbone, they still need a good foundation to start with. If a patient’s jawbone is too depleted, it leaves little for the dental implant to bond to, putting it at risk. With a bone graft, sometimes performed at the same time as the dental implant surgery, it gives the dental implant a better chance to succeed.
How Bone Grafts Work
There are many types of bone grafts that may be performed, depending on the extent of the jawbone depletion and the type of material being used. The most common method is using small granules. A membranous material is wrapped around the area, and bone granules are packed in to encourage the bone to regenerate. This method is preferred if the patient only has minor jawbone depletion.
For larger areas of jawbone depletion, samples of bone may be removed from other parts of the patient’s body or with donated or lab-grown bone. More time may be needed to heal the area as well.
Once the bone graft has been placed, time is needed for the area to heal and for the bone to begin regeneration. Once ready, then Dr. Hoffman will assess your improvements and schedule you for your surgical procedures.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Another trait that’s not often looked at is how the gums provide support for the dental implant. If a patient suffers from gum recession, it could impede the success of the implant as well. When the implant is healed, the metal pieces may be visible due to the receded gums, and also be exposed to possible infections.
A similar procedure known as either a soft tissue augmentation or a gum graft introduces new tissues to the receded gums. They are left to heal and help regenerate the gums, so they look healthier and more natural after the dental implant is placed.
What About Tooth Decay and Dental Implants?
Accidents happen, we know that well at Family and Implant Dentistry. We’ve seen our fair share of chipped teeth. But patients may find it a surprise to learn that the top reason for tooth loss itself is not by accident; instead it’s from tooth decay, also known as cavities. Tooth decay is that dark pit in your tooth, the brown and black stains that won’t go away. One of the more serious consequences of letting tooth decay run rampant is tooth loss and periodontal disease. It’s possible for your tooth or gums to become so damaged or rotted, that the gums recede or the tooth either falls out on its own or must be removed by a dentist.
If this should occur, then dental implants are the next best course of action. When you consult with Dr. Hoffman, he’ll examine your oral health, help decide your best path of treatment, and if supplemental treatments like grafts can help with your smile.
Dental implants have a unique quality of strengthening jawbones and preventing diseases like tooth decay from spreading. They’re durable, long-lasting, and molded to match your neighboring teeth with precision. Some patients find this treatment much more convenient, especially if they’ve only lost one tooth.
Need Dental Implants? Look to Dr. Hoffman in Lincoln
Dental implants can bring a host of benefits for patients with missing teeth in Lincoln, NE. But not all patients may qualify right away, and a bone graft can help you prepare. Contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Hoffman, where you’ll be evaluated and determined if a bone graft is needed for your path of treatment.