More patients are turning to dental implants to replace missing teeth. It’s easy to see why, dental implants are strong, stable, and last longer than other restorations. However, dental implants require a thorough evaluation to determine if there is sufficient bone structure. Patients who have experienced bone deterioration may need a bone graft prior to surgery. At A-Dental Center in North Hollywood, we have years of experience with dental implants and bone grafts.
Why is bone structure important?
Dental implants are metal posts that are placed into the jawbone to replace the missing root. On the top, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached for a complete restoration.
After the implant is placed, it is left to heal and integrate with the bone for strong support, a process known as osseointegration. If there is not enough bone to fuse around the implant, it can affect the integrity of the restoration.
How much bone is needed?
In most cases, a patient needs at least 1 mm of bone to fuse around the implant. If the implant is next to another tooth or implant, it can require up to 3 mm of space. When there is not enough space for osseointegration, a bone graft is required.
Types of Bone Grafts
Bone grafts increase the volume of the jawbone. The procedure will be done and left to heal before the implant surgery takes place. There are several types of bone grafts:
- Autograft – Bone is taken from patient’s body.
- Allograft – Bone is taken from another person, typically a cadaver.
- Xenograft – Bone is from a different species.
- Synthetic – Bone is made of a synthetic material.
If you are missing teeth, you deserve to enjoy a restored smile. Call A-Dental Center today at (818) 975-3888 to learn more about bone grafts and dental implants.