Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Allen, TX
For people who have one or two missing teeth, dental implants are one of the most effective tooth restorations available. The implant needs support from a sufficiently thick mass of jawbone to support the dental restoration. A bone graft procedure involves transplanting bone to the implant site to make the jawbone thicker.
Bone graft procedures for dental implants are available at P.A. Dental Arts in Allen and the surrounding area. Although bone grafting is an option, it is not always necessary. If you want to know if you would need a bone graft for dental implants, call our office at (214) 217-2242 to book a consultation with P.A. Dental Arts.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that as of 2023, nearly one in six adults aged 65 or older had lost all their teeth.. It is essential to restore lost bone in the jawbone through bone graft treatment after tooth loss. By completing this procedure, it can help to ensure a future implant and artificial tooth are properly supported long-term. A bone graft is a procedure to rebuild lost bone inside the jaw and recommended for patients who experience loss of bone density as a result of tooth loss.
Good candidates for a bone graft include those who are planning to undergo implants for missing teeth, those with tooth loss or gum disease, and those with bone loss. While the jaw and gums support natural teeth, the teeth also help to stimulate the jawbone. When tooth loss occurs, the supporting bone loses its primary purpose, and the process of resorption begins. This process occurs when the body absorbs calcium from the jawbone and distributes it to other areas of the body.
The lack of calcium in the jawbone makes it more difficult to support the implant. Resorption will also mean there is less bone that can bond with the titanium implant and help to solidify a firm hold of the implant. The purpose of a bone graft procedure is to rebuild bone density that may have become lost after the natural tooth becomes lost.
“It is essential to restore lost bone in the jawbone through bone graft treatment after tooth loss.”
When Bone Grafting Is Necessary
A dentist typically uses a thorough oral examination and X-rays to determine if a bone grafting procedure is necessary for dental implants. The jawbone commonly loses density as a result of unreplaced missing teeth. Bone is preserved by the pressure and stimulus caused by chewing, but when no tooth is present, the jawbone is no longer stimulated and starts to deteriorate. It is important to correct bone deterioration as it can cause more damaging complications, such as tooth loss. Dentists perform bone grafts using bone from the patient's body, usually from the back of the jawbone.
Signs That Indicate a Bone Graft Is Necessary
There are two primary signs the dentist may look for when determining if a bone graft is necessary. The first sign is the thickness of the bone inside the jaw. The second sign is how soft or hard the existing bone is. If the bone inside the jaw is thin, then we will likely recommend a bone graft. If the bone is soft, then a minor bone graft might be required to strengthen the bone and provide additional support for the implant. According to Mayo Clinic, periodontitis damages the soft tissue, destroying the bone that supports your teeth, so gum disease is a sign of potential bone loss as well.
“If the bone is soft, then a minor bone graft might be required to strengthen the bone and provide additional support for the implant.”
The Bone Graft Procedure
During a bone graft, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue over the bone-deficient area. Once the bone area is visible, they will put in the bone graft material and may cover the entire area with a special membrane to encourage growth. The dentist will then close the area with self-dissolving stitches.
Bone Augmentation
The dentist performs bone augmentation when there is minor bone loss. It serves the same function as a bone graft, which is to augment or build the jawbone and make it denser and stronger. During the procedure, the dentist will open the gum tissue over the area. Since the level of bone loss is low, only the augmentation material is added.
Following the Bone Grafting Procedure
After the procedure, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as pain meds to manage the pain. Most patients who undergo a bone graft procedure will experience minimal or no pain. However, they may need antibiotics. It is essential that you follow the dentist's instructions and use meds accordingly.
The dentist will allow some time so that the bone graft can fuse with the natural bones. Since every patient is unique, it is hard to tell how long the fusion process will take. It usually takes between three months to a year for the bone rebuild process to complete. The patient will need to visit the dental office regularly for checkups until the dentist thinks the time is right to place the implants.
“It serves the same function as a bone graft, which is to augment or build the jawbone and make it denser and stronger.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants in Allen, TX
Alternative Procedures for Bone Growth
Other procedures that can help to build the jawbone to hold dental implants include:
Sinus lift: Also known as a subantral graft procedure, a sinus lift is done to improve the bone height above the molar and premolar teeth.
Ridge expansion: Dentists perform this procedure to expand the upper jaw. The process entails dividing the bone and adding bone graft material to the gap to form new bone and widen the upper jaw.
Distraction osteogenesis makes it possible to elongate a shorter bone. The dentist will cut the bone and use a distractor to pull the bone piece apart gradually so that new bone can grow to fill the gap.
Ridge preservation: Also known as socket preservation, the procedure is essential to inhibit bone loss after tooth removal and prevent bone resorption, according to a literature reference from the American Association of Dental Consultants.
“Distraction osteogenesis makes it possible to elongate a shorter bone.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When is bone grafting necessary?
Q. What happens during the bone graft procedure?
Q. What are alternative procedures that can replace a bone graft?
Q. What are some procedures that help stimulate bone growth?
People Also Ask
Q. How should someone prepare for dental implant surgery?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. When should people seek an implant dentist?
Q. How do dentists determine whether a patient is a candidate for dental implants?
Q. What happens after the dental implant procedure?
Q. What types of foods and activities should be avoided during the recovery process?
Procedures That Improve Bone Growth
To accelerate bone healing, the dentist may recommend additional procedures, including platelet-rich plasma or bone morphogenetic protein placement.
Platelet-rich plasma: Platelets are a component of the blood and play roles like producing growth factors into wounds and formation of blood clots. The plasma has platelets in high concentration. When used for bone grafts, PRP can help encourage quicker healing and tissue regeneration for faster results.
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP): This is a naturally occurring protein in the body that helps promote new bone growth. The material is synthesizable and can be used in bone augmentation and grafting treatments to increase jawbone mass. Using BMP removes the need to obtain bone graft material from external sources.
“To accelerate bone healing, the dentist may recommend additional procedures, including platelet-rich plasma or bone morphogenetic protein placement.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
Q. What are the benefits of bone graft procedure?
A. With bone grafts, patients who may otherwise not be eligible for dental implants will be able to get dental implants. The procedure boosts the jawbone mass to make dental implant restoration successful over the years. After the jaw heals following a bone graft, it will be strong and stable to hold implant posts.
Q. What are the qualities of a good bone graft specialist?
A. It is important that you choose a bone graft specialist with the training and experience for performing the procedure. Preferably, the dentist should have a certification from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. The procedure is more likely to be successful if handled by an experienced dentist.
Q. How do I know if the bone graft specialist has experience?
A. During your consultation with the dentist, you can ask for references and before and after pictures from previous procedures. You can also ask for an explanation about the With, including the risks, side effects, and medications. You can inquire about continuing education courses to be sure the dentist is up to date on new technologies, techniques, and medications.
Q. Can I get dental implants immediately after bone augmentation?
A. If there is adequate bone tissue around the implant, the dentist may place the implant during the bone augmentation procedure. With time, the bone augmentation will cause new bone to grow around the implant. If a significant part of the bone is missing, placing implants immediately after bone grafting is not possible or advisable.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Scan here to view this page, Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants, on mobile
Dental Implant Terminology
Call Us Today
We offer bone grafting for dental implants and help patients through the process. If you are interested in learning more about bone grafts as well as the implant process in general, then get in touch with us at 214-217-2242 today.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- P.A. Dental Arts was established in 2013.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Collin County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Fairview, Murphy, Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Parker, and Lucas
- National Provider Identifier Database (1679014823). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to P.A. Dental Arts on mobile
Back to top of Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants
Related Posts
Braces Vs. Clear Aligners: Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have two main options: braces or clear aligners. Clear aligners have become more popular recently because, with the right case selection, the dentist can deliver orthodontic results similar to traditional braces. Both braces and clear aligners are effective in correcting misaligned teeth, and the right choice for…
Debunking 4 Popular Myths About Cosmetic Dentistry
Did you know that according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work in the US has actually doubled within the last five years, meaning that more people than ever before are working towards their dream smiles! However, with all of the various procedures out there that are capable of…
Digital Impressions Provide Better-Fitting Restorations
Cutting-edge dental technologies allow you to benefit from a higher level of care to achieve your best smile. Digital X-rays and CEREC aren’t the only technological advancements to revolutionize dentistry. Digital impressions provide unmatched precision when creating dental restorations and dentures in Allen. The state-of-the-art imaging system captures detailed data in a matter of minutes.…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call P.A. Dental Arts on mobile
