Dental Implants Birmingham, AL
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Dr. Maddux Explains The Process of Bone Grafting
Assessment of Quality and Quantity of Your Jawbone
On your first visit to Alabama Periodontics, Dr. Maddux will give an initial dental implant consultation assessing the quality and quantity of your jawbone by taking a CT scan. A certain amount of bone is required for the dental implant post to be securely held in place. If there is not enough bone present, it can pose a risk to the dental implant, and we will recommend a bone graft for dental implants.
Dr. Maddux Discusses The Benefits of Bone Grafting Procedures
What Is A Bone Graft?
A bone graft is small surgical procedure designed to increase the height and width of bone in your jaw. Sometimes it is possible to insert the graft at the same time as the dental implant when you only require a very little amount of bone. In other cases where more bone is required, we will recommend placing the bone graft prior to implant surgery, and leaving the bone graft to heal and integrate fully with your natural bone for between 3-6 months.
Although this does lengthen the overall treatment time, taking a cautious approach can help give the best and most long-lasting results.
About Bone Grafting
So what exactly does bone grafting entail? Traditionally the process involves removing a piece of bone from another part of the patient’s jaw or body and transplanting it into the jawbone. Alternative options today include obtaining bone from a cadaver source or an animal source to replace the missing bone. These options provide less morbidity to the patient, prevents a second surgical site, and are just as successful. After this process, it may take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support the actual placement of a dental implant.
Once the jawbone does heal, the implant process moves forward. This starts with placing the titanium dental implant post into the jawbone. This stage also may take up to several months to heal.
Finally, once healing is complete, Dr. Maddux will place the abutment, an extension of the implant’s metal post, into the jaw. Again, time must be allowed for the soft tissue to heal. After healing, molds of the teeth and jawbone are taken, and the procedure of inserting the final tooth or teeth can take place.
Keeping Patients Comfortable
At Alabama Periodontics, we typically perform bone grafts using local anesthetic, or we can use light sedation to keep you comfortable. After the procedure, you will receive instructions on which foods to eat for the next few days, as well as how to keep the grafting site clean.
Antibiotic mouthwash and paint medication may also be used if necessary. While time-consuming, bone grafts can be an essential and necessary part of any implant process. After surgery, patients may experience typical discomfort, such as gum or skin swelling or bruising and minor bleeding, but these common side effects dissipate quickly.
The density of your bone and the location of the graft will determine the time in between your graft procedure and dental implant surgery.