If you’re missing teeth, implants offer substitutes that mimic the look and function of a natural tooth. However, not every patient has sufficient bone to support them. In these cases, dental bone grafting may be necessary. This process involves removing some bone tissue from another part of the body or from harvested or manufactured bone substitutes and grafting it onto the jawbone. Only a professional specializing in implant dentistry can determine if this procedure is necessary.

Dental Bone Grafting: Essential Facts

Do I Need It? 

Dental implants are better replacements for missing teeth than bridges or dentures. The average life of a bridge is 5 – 7 years, after which they may need to be redone.  Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants offer a virtually permanent restoration of your smile, and they’re durable enough to serve the same essential functions like your natural teeth.

However, before inserting your dental implants, a specialist must first confirm that you have sufficient bone volume to anchor them in place. Some people’s jawbones are too narrow or lack sufficient height above vital structures. This is often the case in people who’s teeth were removed a while ago and experienced bone loss.  Bone loss occurs as part of the natural healing process.  A bone graft may retard or compensate for this loss. 

If your jawbone isn’t thick enough to support an implant, hope is not lost for restoring your smile. You’ll just need to take some additional steps first.

What Happens?

During a dental bone grafting procedure, specialists use instruments to remove safe amounts of bone from other parts of the body. After grafting them onto your jawbone, you’re expected to wait several months so the new bone tissue can adhere firmly to your jaw. During your next appointment, the dental team will reassess your jawbone to find out if the bone graft has reconstructed a sufficient bone volume to place the implants.

That said, there are cases in which minor bone grafts can be done the same day the implants are put in or at the time of tooth removal. Again, only a professional can decide if this option is right for you.

Dr. Yanagihara has given several lectures on implant replacements to fellow dentists in Hawaii and on the mainland.

If you need dental bone grafting, get in touch with Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS, in Honolulu, HI. Dr. Yanagihara and his team specialize in this type of care, offering the ideal treatment for your oral health. Whether you need dental implants, bone grafting, or other dental surgery, they're ready to help. Contact them online to learn more about scheduling an appointment, or call (808) 973-1433.