Why do I Need Bone Grafting for my Dental Implant?

When you lose a tooth, it’s hard not to focus on wanting a replacement as quickly as possible. In this case, a dental implant is a great choice. But for some, implants first require a bone graft procedure. 

Downtown Dental Studios wants you to know we offer both procedures and that bone grafting is often a necessary part of the dental implant process. 

Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, provide excellent care to patients pre- and post-dental implantation and want to ensure that you not only have a happy smile but a healthy one too. That’s why we often recommend bone grafting first. 

Bone loss and dental care

It isn’t just your teeth you must look out for when it comes to oral health. When you haven’t been able to care for your teeth properly, or an accident has caused you to lose a tooth, it’s common for jawbone density also to diminish. 

For example, people who have their teeth extracted often experience bone loss afterward. As stated by a 2016 study, the crestal jawbone loses about 25% of its width during the first year after tooth extraction and about 40% by the third year. 

In addition, gum disease can also lead to loss of bone density. The gums pull away from the tooth, exposing the root underneath, and both the bone and tooth root can become affected, causing the teeth to loosen and even fall out. When you brush properly, you’re protecting your teeth, gums, jaw bone, and many other parts of your body that can be affected by your oral health. 

Bone grafting 101 

Bone grafting is a process by which new bone material is attached to your jawbone to strengthen it. This is usually necessary after long-term decay has worn down the jawbone to the point where it is no longer strong. Depending on your situation, the bone might be taken from elsewhere in your body, or another special kind of material might be used. 

When the material is grafted onto your jawbone, it promotes the growth of new bone over time. This bone is stronger and will help shore up some of the weakness in the jawbone. The process usually takes about 90 minutes and can be done in our New York City office. 

Bone grafting before dental implants

Still, you might be asking why it’s crucial to get bone grafting before a dental implant. Not everyone requires the former procedure, but those with weakness in the area of the jawbone where the implant will be placed need to have this procedure beforehand. 

If an implant is placed in an area of the jaw that isn’t strong enough, the implant might not take. It could also do more damage to the already weak bone. According to that same study, “Bone is a biologically privileged tissue in that it has the capacity to undergo regeneration as a part of the repair process.” 

To ensure the best possible outcome for the implant, bone grafting may be necessary if you have severe bone loss in your jaw. This isn’t true for everyone, but if it is so in your case, we highly recommend bone grafting before an implant is placed. 

Call today to make an appointment 

We’re happy to help you find the best outcome for your oral health, including grafting new bone onto your jaw and adding dental implants where you are missing teeth.

Just call 212-964-3337 or visit us online to book an appointment at our New York City office in the Financial District.