If you are considering dental implants, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. If your bone is too thin or soft, you may require a bone graft. A bone graft is a technique that helps rebuild bone by transplanting healthy bone tissue.
Here are five reasons you may need bone grafting before a dental implants procedure.
1. Extracted or missing tooth
If your adult tooth has been extracted or is missing, the bone around your tooth can start to disappear. Once that bone mass is gone, it cannot be restored. Bone grafting can help strengthen the area where the tooth is missing and provide support for a future implant.
2. Gum disease
If you have gum disease, this may cause the jawbone to recede and teeth to loosen. This happens because bacteria slowly eats at the jawbone and leads to periodontal misalignment. After undergoing gum disease treatment, bone grafting can help restore the foundation and strengthen your teeth.
3. Crooked teeth
If you have crooked teeth, it can be difficult to properly clean between them, leaving bacteria to grow, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, an infection that damages bone and teeth. Bone grafting will then be needed to restore the damaged jawbone.
4. Developmental defects
Some birth defects are characterized by parts of missing teeth, facial bones, or jaw. A bone grafting can help restore function and growth where there isn't any, and provide adequate support for an implant.
5. Face injury or trauma
Tooth trauma, such as from teeth grinding or bruxism, can put extra pressure on the teeth and wear away at the surrounding tissue supporting the tooth structure. Bone grafting may be needed to reverse the effects of bone deterioration, restoring function and promoting new bone growth in traumatized areas.If you are interested in bone grafting and/or dental implants, make an appointment with us by calling (925) 705-7093, or request an appointment online.
