06
Nov
What Role Does a Bone Graft Play in Dental Implant Treatment?
Good jawbone health is a major requirement for getting implants after tooth loss. If you’ve suffered bone loss, your jawbone won’t be strong enough to support the implants. At Monadnock Perio & Implant Center, we can counter the effects of bone loss through bone grafting. In this post, your Keene and Peterborough, New Hampshire dentists (and periodontists), Drs. Kwon, Tase, Mourad and Hahm answer your questions about dental bone grafting to help you make an informed decision about this treatment.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a bone loss restoration procedure that helps replace damaged or missing jawbone for dental implant treatment. As implants are placed inside your jaw to replace missing tooth roots, they require sufficient bone density for support. Our periodontists will restore your jaw with healthy bone grafted from a different donor source or another body area. As a result, your bone density increases, giving implants a solid base.
How do I know if I need a bone graft?
The first step to implant treatment is scheduling a consultation with your implant dentists, Drs. Kwon, Tase, Mourad and Hahm to determine if you’re a good implant candidate. We’ll take a special three dimensional computerized scan to evaluate your jawbone health and strength to see if bone grafting is needed. If so, we’ll discuss this option with you and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
What are the risks of bone grafting?
All surgical treatments come with risks, and bone grafting is no exception. Potential risks include infection, bone graft failure, and nerve damage. Working with experienced dentists or periodontists who specialize in dental implants like Drs. Kwon, Tase, Mourad and Hahm, however, dramatically reduces these risks to ensure your procedure’s success.
Does bone grafting hurt?
Depending on the complexity of your treatment, you can undergo this procedure with either local or general anesthesia. We also offer sedation to help you relax fully during the procedure.
How long does a bone graft last?
With the support of implants, dental bone grafts can last a lifetime. Good oral hygiene will help keep your graft strong and healthy in the long term. Drs. Kwon, Tase, Mourad and Hahm will also check on the health of your implants and bone grafting periodically during routine exams and cleanings.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
That depends on the complexity of your treatment. In general, however, complete healing can take up to six months. We’ll give you detailed post-op instructions to help expedite your recovery. If you experience swelling or pain around the bone graft area after surgery, we recommend taking OTC medication to manage these symptoms. Prepare to eat a soft food diet for several days to a week after your procedure, avoid strenuous activities, and keep all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your recovery.
Who offers bone grafting for tooth implants near me?
If you live in or near Keene or Peterborough, NH, you can contact Drs. Kwon, Tase, Mourad and Hahm from Monadnock Perio & Implant Center at (603) 215-5800 for bone grafting treatment.