If you are undergoing a dental implant procedure, your dentist may need to increase the amount of bone in your jaw. Not all patients will require bone grafting when getting implants. However, those that do should work with a dental professional who has experience and skill in bone grafting. Your dentist should be able to walk you through the process ahead by explaining the procedure and helping you to understand what to expect.
If you require an increase in jaw bone before a dental implant, continue reading and contact our team at Dental Associates of Basking Ridge. Here are some questions you may have about your upcoming procedure:
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is required for patients who need to increase the amount of bone in their jaw before an implant procedure such as an implanted crown or bridge. There are a number of different sources of bone that a dentist can use such as human bone from a tissue bank, mineral bone substitutes, or processed animal bones.
Your own bone is generally the safest and most effective bone graft material. This is because your body will be more inclined to accept it. To use bone from your own body, the procedure will include drilling into the jawbone for the implant placement to produce shavings. This drilling would have been done anyway, so you will not require an extra procedure.
If you require a larger amount of bone, this can be done by using other parts of your body. However, if you are not able to have bone grafted from your own body, there are alternatives that are equally as effective.
What are the different types of bone grafting?
Bone grafting has two categories. The first category involves bone grafting as a separate surgery from implant placement. The bone grafting and implant procedures are typically done several months apart. The second category is when a patient already has enough bone to place the impact, but still requires bone grafting to cover the side of the implant. This can be done at the same time as the implants are being placed.
Bone grafting techniques include onlay grafting and sinus grafting. Onlay grafting involves placing the bone on top of the area where it is needed while sinus grafting involves adding height to the bone behind the cheekbone.
Contact The Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
