You have missing teeth and want dental implants. But what happens if your dentist tells you that you are not an immediate candidate for implant surgery because of progressive bone loss in your jaw? Instead of opting for a different solution to replace your missing teeth, or thinking that you have to give up your dreams of a complete smile, discuss the possibility of bone grafting with a dentist in Phoenix, AZ!
Why Is Bone Grafting Necessary for Some Implant Patients?
Some patients wonder why implant dentists care about bone density and strength. The reason is simple: All dental implant posts are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. If the jawbone is not strong enough to support the implant post, the implants will lack stability. You would never want an implant to be unstable or come loose.
The way to address this issue is for patients with bone loss to undergo bone grafting surgery prior to their dental implant surgery. During the bone grafting procedure, bone from another area of the mouth or from a donor will be added to the area where the implants will eventually go. In time, the new bone will fuse with the old bone. The process usually takes several months.
When your dentist feels you are ready, you can be reevaluated for dental implant candidacy. As long as you have not developed any other health problems in the interim, such as untreated gum disease or a diagnosis of active cancer, you should be able to schedule your dental implant surgery. By the time you receive your dental implants, your jaw bone will be able to fully support your single dental implant or implant-supported dentures.
Can I Tell If I Am Likely to Need a Bone Graft in Phoenix?
It is not possible for you to know for sure if you might need a bone graft before getting dental implants in Phoenix. Still, you may suspect that you have had bone loss in your mouth if your jaw line has changed at the place of your missing teeth, or if you have bone loss in your body because of a condition like osteoporosis. However, you will need to work with a dentist to find out for sure.
Want to schedule a consultation to talk about dental implants and bone grafting in any of our offices across Phoenix, AZ? Make an appointment with Dr. Nabil Fehmi from Westwind. Dr. Fehmi has a passion for helping patients regain lost bone—and regain a better quality of life with dental implants! He regularly exceeds the continuing education requirements for his profession so he can build his expertise in the areas of cosmetic, implant, and sedation dentistry.
Call the office in Phoenix today at (602) 581-7796 to set up your appointment.
