If you are ready to undergo a dental implant procedure, there is a chance you may require bone grafting. While the term may sound unnerving, the purpose of this blog is to assure you it does not have to be, especially when you have a gentle, experienced dental team on your side! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to bone grafting:
What is bone grafting?
Essentially, certain dental patients have an insufficient amount of bone in certain parts of their jaw. If one of these places requires an implant procedure, like a crown or an implanted bridge, you will most likely need to obtain that bone from another source. Though generally, it is best to use some of your own excess bone from another place in your jaw or body, your dentist may decide it best to use human bone from a tissue bank, mineral bone substitutes, or processed animal bones. By using your own bone, you avoid the need for an additional procedure, as a dentist will need to drill into your jawbone regardless, thus drawing jawbone shavings he can use.
Are there different types of bone grafting?
Traditionally, bone grafting is done months before you receive your dental implant surgery. However, there are certain cases in which a patient already has enough bone to place the implant but still needs bone grafting to cover the sides of the implant. In this case, the implants may be placed on the same day.
Are bone grafts painful?
We are happy to tell you that bone grafting is almost never a painful experience for our patients. You will most likely be sedated throughout the process, and generally, the healing process is painless as well. Depending on a variety of circumstances, bone grafts may take a while to fuse with the natural bones in your mouth; in some cases, it may take up to a year. However, once the graft has completed healing, you will be ready for your dental implant! If you or a loved one need a knowledgeable dental team you can trust, look no further–we are ready to help!
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!
