If you are missing one or more teeth, it’s likely that your dentist in Denver has recommended dental implants. Dental implants are one of the best products on the market to help patients restore teeth and their smile for a variety of reasons.

They offer incredible durability and lifespan, they are easy to care and maintain, and the rates of failure are remarkably low. However, some patients can become concerned if they hear that they might need a bone graft in order to install a dental implant.

What is a Bone Graft?
The bone graft procedure is used when a surgeon takes a piece of bone from elsewhere in the body, or opts to use a special grafting material and places it in the area that needs an additional bone. After the bone or material is placed, patients typically need to wait several months to allow the body to heal and for the new bony material to be incorporated into the natural surface.
 

Why is Grafting Used for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are installed in two parts. The lower portion of the implant consists of a small post on a screw. The screw is installed into the jawbone underneath the gums. The post sticks out above the gums and allows for the visible portion of the implant to be attached.

If there is not enough bone where the post needs to be installed, the bone is too fragile, or the ridge to attach the implant is too narrow; your dentist in Denver, CO will likely recommend a bone graft. The grafts can help add or strengthen the available bone so that the installation of the post is secure.

 Grafting can also reduce the chances of failure in the future. Additionally, once the post is installed, the body continues to grow new bone around the post that creates an even more solid base for your implant.
 

What to Expect from a Bone Graft Procedure?
Typically, a surgeon or oral surgeon will perform your operation. The operation usually only requires a local anesthetic so patients will be conscious and aware of their surroundings even though they won’t feel pain associated with the operation. If patients have adverse feelings about the operation, a surgeon may also give higher levels of anesthesia to suit the patient need.

Once the patient is comfortable, the surgeon will make a small incision into the gum to access the underlying bone. Once the bone is exposed, the surgeon will prepare the bone and place the material or new bone into the proper area. Once this is complete, the surgeon will close the incision in the gums and make sure that the incision is properly cleaned and dressed.
 

Care After a Bone Graft
Any surgical operation will generally come with a concern about infection. While the chances of infection are low, you will want to continue to care for the incision site and make sure to notify your Denver dentist if the area becomes infected.

Patients will often experience some discomfort after the anesthetic has worn off, but this can usually be relieved with over the counter pain medications and the use of ice to reduce swelling. This discomfort should only last for a few days. After the incision site heals, the bone will begin to grow on the new site, but patients probably will not have any discomfort and may not even be aware that there are positive changes occurring.
 

Overview
Not every patient requires a bone graft in order to receive a dental implant, so if you think that you may need an implant, talk to Barotz Dental, your trusted dentist in Denver to see if you are a good candidate. Call our office at 720-573-1500 to schedule your appointment today.