Depending on your oral health and what your dentist advises upon examining your mouth, they may recommend getting dental implants to restore your smile to its full strength and help you bite and chew without issue.
Dental implants are also known as artificial tooth roots. Made from titanium, a biocompatible material which means that it won’t cause any damage or irritation to your gums or bones, they are also customized to meet your exact oral dimensions. The screw, abutment, and prosthetic are the three components. The screw is embedded into your jawbone via surgery; then you must wait several months for the site to heal and for the screw to fuse with your jawbone. Once this is done, the abutment and the prosthetic are added.
Overall, this is a very routine procedure that all dentists are qualified to perform; however, some patients are referred to specialists if they are in need of more advanced care. Examples of this include receiving a bone graft in accordance with implant surgery.
Right here at our dental practice, we provide dental implants in Gibsonton. Please feel free to reach out to our team to gather more information about this treatment.
What is Bone Grafting?
Just like with dental implants, a bone graft is a surgical process too. Not all patients require this in order to get implants; individuals who do not have a sufficient amount of bone for the implant screw to fuse with need this treatment, otherwise the implants will not be able to establish a secure foundation for your smile.
Other reasons that dentists may advise you to get bone grafting near you include having a jaw that’s too short or too narrow.
Though it may sound rather complex, this service is ultimately done to increase the amount of bone available for the subsequent procedure. Material may be borrowed from another area in your body, a tissue bank, or animal tissue can be utilized as well.
When your dentist has placed the new material, your body will begin to heal and regenerate bone cells so more tissue can grow. Alongside implant surgery, a dental bone graft may be necessary for patients who need a tooth extraction, dentures, or are suffering from periodontal (gum) disease.
Should you have questions or concerns of any kind, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist or oral surgeon. You have the right to understand what is happening with your smile. This information will also help you prepare and feel less anxious about your appointment.
Why is Bone Grafting Needed for Implants?
Bone loss, also known as deterioration thinning, or weakening, is more common than most of us tend to realize. Patients of all ages can be impacted by this condition. Bone grafts in to be put in place prior to the acquisition of implants, otherwise the latter procedure will not be successful. The entire purpose of implants is to preserve your smile and improve its functionality and structural integrity. If healthy bone tissue is not available, you won’t be able to receive the implants and you will continue to experience pain, discomfort, and other challenges when it comes to eating, speaking, and laughing. It can negatively influence your self-confidence as well.
Before any of these services are officially carried out, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw; X-rays will follow a physical assessment. Your dentist will also discuss your medical/dental history and inquire about your hygiene habits at home. They will ask you about your preferences and goals. During this consultation, don’t be shy to share what’s on your mind.
Again, not everyone will need a bone graft, but if you do, please remember that they are a very safe process and will raise your eligibility for other treatments if you need them in the future.
The Bone Grafting Process
Your dentist or an oral surgeon near you will be able to conduct this process in just one visit.
High-quality 3D x-rays are employed to take detailed pictures of your jawbone, so your dentist can understand where exactly the graft ought to be placed.
Patients can be awake and receive medication that numbs the surgical site, or they can be put under deeper sedation – if you have dental anxiety or fear, you may want to further explore the different sedation dentistry options available to you.
Next up, a tiny cut made into your gum tissue to create access to your jaw. Your dentist will clean the area before applying the material. To help protect it, a special membrane may be placed over top of the bone graft. Afterward, the gum is tightly and neatly stitched back together.
You will need a reasonable amount of time for your mouth to heal. Symptoms like facial swelling, minimal bruising, and some pain on the treated side of your mouth can occur but they will fade after several days, and you can take Advil or Tylenol to help manage them. Should you be concerned about anything, you can call your dentist to ensure that you are healing as you’re meant to.
Risks and Considerations
The majority of oral surgeries are safe, but it is still good to be aware of the risks associated with bone grafting. These are:
- Severe bleeding
- An infection
- Numbness or nerve damage
- Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
- Your body rejects the new material
- Sinus problems
- Blood clots
- Damage to your surrounding teeth or tissues
Bone grafting and dental implant procedures both boast a high success rate, so there is no need to be worried. Your dentist will be at your side the whole time making sure that you remain calm and comfortable. Be sure to follow all their post-operative care instructions so that your mouth does indeed heal properly, and your other treatments don’t get delayed.
Come into Orange Blossom Oral Surgery
Bone deterioration isn’t beneficial for anyone. You have every right to a beautiful, painless smile that helps you enjoy all your favorite snacks and make a great first impression wherever you go.
If you’re looking to schedule an appointment for bone grafting in Gibsonton, we encourage you to call our wonderful team today. You can also drop by our physical office or send us a message via the request form on our website.
We are excited to work with you and help you achieve optimal oral health!
