In order to qualify for dental implants, you have to meet certain criteria. One of those criteria is that you have enough jawbone to support the implants. If not, surgery might not be possible. In some cases, though, there is a solution. If you are planning to have dental implant surgery, here is what you need to know.
Why Do You Not Have Enough Bone?
Over time, some people experience bone loss. The bone loss can be mild and still leave enough bone to perform a dental implant surgery in some cases. In others, the bone loss is severe enough that a dental surgeon is not able to safely perform the procedure without additional steps.
Bone loss can result from a variety of factors, including gum disease, trauma, and cavities. It can also be the consequence of a defect during congenital and early childhood development.
What Can The Surgeon Do?
A bone graft is typically performed to help build the jawbone so that it can support an implant. A bone graft involves the dentist adding bone from a donor to the areas of the jawbone that need it. The bone graft can lengthen the time it will take for the total implant procedure to take.
The bone needed for the procedure is usually taken from the person needing the surgery. For instance, your dentist could use part of the bone from your chin to build up your jawbone.
If you are reluctant to use your own bone, there are processed bones that can be used. Processed bones come from human cadavers. Some dental surgeons are turning to synthetic materials for the bone.
What Happens After The Bone Graft?
Following the surgery, you have to take certain precautions to avoid complications, such as infection and pain. After the bone graft, swelling and bruising typically occur. Over the course of the next few days, it will disappear.
Your dental surgeon might prescribe prescription-strength pain relievers to take during those first few days. It is important that you practice good hygiene during this time. Brushing can be difficult the first few days, so your dentist might recommend a prescription-strength mouthwash to take and even an antibiotic to reduce the chances that you develop an infection.
Before you can receive a bone graft, your dental surgeon will thoroughly assess your overall condition to determine if it is the best option for building lost bone. Click the following linke if you'd like to learn more about this topic.
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