Bone Grafting

Dental implants are a tooth replacement that looks, acts, and functions just like a real tooth. Many people who want implants are good candidates, but in some cases, there isn’t enough bone mass present in the jaw to secure the implant in place.

Jawbone mass may deteriorate after tooth removal, but having a dental implant place keeps it from degrading. However, if you’ve lost bone in your jaw before having the dental implant placed, Dr. Lori Logan can rebuild the bone in the jaw with a grafting procedure.

What Is Bone Grafting?

During your consultation with Dr. Logan, she will perform a thorough evaluation of the health of your mouth and jaw. She uses the latest digital imaging technology, and the 3-D pictures give her a clear idea of the condition of your jaw and mouth. 

Together, you and Dr. Logan develop a treatment plan to increase the strength and bone mass in your jaw to enable you to have dental implants placed in the future. When it’s time for the bone grafting process, we will numb your mouth, then make a small a small incision in your jaw. Dr. Logan deposits donor bone tissue in the jawbone and finishes the procedure by placing dissolvable sutures at the incision site.

The entire bone grafting process takes about 45 minutes at our Cypress dental office. Because your comfort is of the utmost importance to us, we will offer sedation and anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the bone grafting procedure.

What Makes Bone Grafting Necessary?

When you lose a tooth due to extraction, decay, gum disease, or trauma, the bone in the jaw begins to atrophy. This process causes the bone in the area to shrink, giving your face a sunken or aged appearance. 

Advanced periodontal disease also can compromise the size and health of the jawbone, which is another reason why preventing gum disease is so important. The placement of dental implants keeps the jaw’s bone density from atrophying.

How Soon Can I Get an Implant after Grafting?

The bone graft procedure is complete, and healing takes place between four to nine months after the graft. At that point, your jawbone is ready to receive the dental implant. 
The grafting and dental implant process do take time but are well worth the effort involved since the results can be so beneficial to your oral health and functioning. Instead of having dentures, you’ll be able to have replacement teeth that look and feel very natural.

Is Bone Grafting Right for You?

For more information about dental implants and bone graft procedures, please schedule a consultation with our office today. Dr. Logan and her friendly staff can quickly get you on your way to a healthy jaw and beautiful teeth.