Dental implants are one of the most effective and permanent solutions for missing teeth, but not everyone is immediately a candidate for this procedure. In many cases, patients need a bone graft before getting dental implants to ensure there is enough jawbone structure to support the implant. At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery in El Paso, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall provide expert bone grafting procedures to help patients achieve successful, long-lasting results with their dental implants.
In this blog, we’ll explain what a bone graft is, how to determine if you need one, and what the procedure involves. Understanding this crucial step can help you feel more confident about your dental implant journey.
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone tissue to areas of the jaw where the bone is too thin or soft to support a dental implant. The bone tissue used in grafting can come from a variety of sources, including:
The goal of a bone graft is to regenerate lost bone tissue, creating a solid foundation for the dental implant to anchor securely into the jaw. Without sufficient bone density, the implant is more likely to fail or become unstable.
Dental implants rely on a process called osseointegration, in which the titanium post of the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone. This process is what gives implants their strength and stability, allowing them to function like natural teeth. However, if the jawbone is too weak or thin, the implant cannot properly fuse, which can lead to implant failure.
Several factors can cause bone loss in the jaw, including:
Not everyone who wants dental implants will need a bone graft, but if you’ve experienced significant bone loss, it may be a necessary step to ensure the long-term success of your implants. Here are some common signs that you may need a bone graft before getting dental implants:
If you’ve had missing teeth for several years, there’s a good chance your jawbone in that area has started to shrink. Without the stimulation provided by chewing, the bone begins to resorb, or break down, over time. Patients who have been wearing dentures for many years often experience bone loss and may require a bone graft before transitioning to implants.
If you’ve had periodontal disease, particularly in its more advanced stages, you may have experienced bone loss around the teeth. Gum disease can erode the bone that supports your teeth, making it difficult to place implants without first restoring the bone tissue.
Before any implant procedure, your oral surgeon will take detailed images of your jaw using X-rays or 3D cone beam CT scans to assess the quality and density of your bone. If these images show that the bone is too thin or soft to support an implant, your surgeon will likely recommend a bone graft to create a stronger foundation.
Trauma or infection in the jaw can lead to significant bone damage. If you’ve had a tooth that was damaged in an accident or lost due to infection, it’s possible that the surrounding bone has also been compromised. In these cases, a bone graft can help regenerate the lost bone.
For patients needing implants in the upper jaw, particularly near the back teeth (molars and premolars), a sinus lift may be required. The sinus cavities are located just above the upper jaw, and in some cases, there isn’t enough bone between the jaw and the sinuses to place implants. A sinus lift is a type of bone grafting procedure that raises the sinus floor and adds bone to this area, providing the necessary support for implants.
If it’s determined that you need a bone graft before getting dental implants, the process is typically straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:
During your consultation at Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, Dr. DuVernois or Dr. Marshall will evaluate your oral health and determine the best type of bone graft for your needs. We’ll use 3D imaging to assess the current state of your jawbone and plan the procedure.
The bone grafting procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the complexity of the case and your comfort level. The surgeon will place the graft material in the area of the jaw where bone is needed and secure it in place. Over time, the graft will encourage new bone growth and integrate with your existing bone.
After the procedure, you’ll need several months for the bone graft to fully heal and integrate with your jaw. This healing period allows your body to generate new bone tissue, creating a strong foundation for the dental implant. During this time, your oral surgeon will monitor your progress with follow-up appointments.
Once the graft has fully healed and the jawbone is strong enough, you’ll be ready for the next step: placing the dental implant. The implant will be securely anchored into the newly regenerated bone, providing a stable base for your replacement tooth.
At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall are board-certified oral surgeons with extensive experience in bone grafting and dental implant procedures. Our team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your treatment is precise, comfortable, and successful.
Whether you need a simple bone graft or a more complex procedure like a sinus lift, we’re here to help you achieve long-lasting results with your dental implants. We offer personalized care at both our N Mesa St and Trawood Dr locations in El Paso, making it easy to get the expert care you need.
