While some people are able to undergo the procedure for dental implant placement without any preparatory surgery, others will need to have a bone graft performed first. If you do, too, that’s no cause for worry — bone grafts are very common. Keep reading to find out when it is needed and what you can expect if your periodontist in Bonita Springs recommends a bone graft before dental implants.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a procedure that creates more bone tissue in areas where it is lacking. There are several types: a bone graft where the donor tissue is taken from elsewhere in the mouth, or from a cadaver, a synthetic substance, or from an animal — usually a cow. While the latter may sound strange, these “xenografts” are highly effective when required, due to the fact that healthy bone tissue with more growth factors can be harvested.
When a Bone Graft Is Needed
Many people need to undergo a bone graft before dental implants in Bonita Springs. The most common reason is when the teeth have been missing for long enough for the jawbone to degenerate due to lack of stimulation from the missing teeth’s roots. Patients who have had periodontitis, or gum disease, may also have lost bone tissue that can make it difficult for the dental implant posts to successfully anchor. And for teeth that have gone missing in the upper back of the mouth, a sinus lift may be required to create more space for implant placement.
What to Expect From a Bone Graft
Whichever type of bone graft you need to have performed, you can feel confident when you partner with the experts at Pelican Landing Dental. We will carefully walk you through the pre- and postoperative instructions to ensure you enjoy a comfortable procedure and a speedy recovery.
Sometimes, the dental implant can be placed in the very same procedure as the bone graft. In other cases, a brief healing period will be required before the dental implant posts can be placed. The procedure will be completed under local or general anesthesia with sedation as needed; plan to have someone drive you home from your appointment and monitor you for the rest of the day. Eat a soft foods diet until you feel comfortable resuming normal eating habits, and be sure to attend all follow-up visits with your dentist as scheduled.
You should be able to resume your normal activities in a few days, but do not hesitate to get in touch with our office if anything seems out of the norm.
Now that you know a little more about bone grafts and why you may need one, we invite you to get in touch with your dentist in Bonita Springs to discuss the particulars of your case!
Meet the Practice
The Pelican Landing Dental team is comprised of general dentists and specialists offering the highest-level care in their state-of-the-art office. To learn more, you are invited to contact the office at 239-948-2111.
