Will I Need a Bone Graft for a Dental Implant

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth and restoration, offering an aesthetically pleasing long-term solution. They are typically made of titanium and help restore a patient’s smile after tooth loss.  

During your dental implant consultation at Burba Dental Partners, our Dentist in Salem, MA will evaluate the condition of your jawbone using X-rays or 3D imaging. They will determine if a bone graft is necessary based on the amount and quality of existing bone. If a bone graft is required, it will be performed before or during the implant surgery, depending on the extent of the grafting needed. 

A bone graft may be necessary in the following situations:

Insufficient Bone Density

A bone graft may be required if your jawbone lacks the necessary height, width, or density to support a dental implant. This can occur due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or long-term denture use, resulting in bone resorption.

Sinus Expansion

For dental implants in the upper jaw, the proximity of the sinus may require a sinus lift or sinus augmentation. This procedure involves adding bone material to the sinus area to create a stable foundation for implant placement.

Ridge Augmentation

In cases where the jawbone ridge is too thin or uneven, ridge augmentation may be necessary. Bone grafting is performed to enhance the width and height of the jawbone, providing a suitable site for dental implant placement.

Types of Bone Graft Materials

Autograft

In this type of bone graft, bone material is harvested from another area of your body, typically from the chin, jaw, hip, or tibia. Autografts provide the most effective and predictable results as they contain live cells and growth factors that promote bone regeneration.

Allograft

Allografts involve using bone material from a donor, which is processed and sterilized to remove potential risks. Allografts eliminate the need for a second surgical site for bone harvesting and are a suitable alternative to autografts.

Synthetic Bone Substitutes

Synthetic bone graft materials are laboratory-engineered substitutes that resemble natural bone composition and structure. They provide a framework for new bone growth and gradually resorb as the patient's bone integrates.

The Bone Graft Procedure

The dentist creates a small incision in the gum tissue during the bone graft procedure to access the underlying jawbone. The bone graft material is then placed in the deficient area and secured with screws, pins, or membranes. The graft is then covered with gum tissue, and the incision is sutured closed.  

Over time, the graft material integrates with the existing bone, promoting new bone formation. The healing period following a bone graft can range from a few to several months, allowing the graft to fuse with the surrounding bone fully. Once the graft has successfully integrated, the dentist or oral surgeon can proceed with dental implant placement. 

Visit Burba Dental Partners at 129 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970, or call 978-744-7575 to determine if a bone graft is necessary. Our dentist will explain the procedure in detail, discuss the available grafting options, and provide personalized recommendations for your dental implant treatment.