If you have been told by your dentist that you need a bone graft, you may naturally be worried or might be wondering why you need the procedure in the first place. Bone grafts are sometimes deemed necessary if there has been sufficient atrophy of the jawbone in specific areas that causes the bone structure to become weak.
In many cases, this procedure is recommended because you have one or more missing teeth and have decided that you are going to replace the teeth using dental implants. The atrophied bone is often a result of missing teeth in the first place, since once the teeth are not attached to the bone, the bone begins to atrophy. If this situation remains for a period of time, bone can atrophy to the point that the bone becomes weak and is unable to properly support an implant.
Bone loss or atrophy can also occur due to other health or physical conditions. Regardless of the cause, atrophied bone can result in a loss of proper oral functioning, including chewing, biting and speaking. Additionally, the look of a person’s face can begin to change if bone loss becomes severe, which can result in additional negative consequences from the condition.
The good news is that once a tooth bone graft procedure is performed, new bone is not only placed in the area where bone loss has occurred, but the graft stimulates new bone growth, which occurs around the graft, further strengthening the bone in the area. The grafted bone may be taken from another part of the body or may be a synthetic bone material.
One of the best ways to avoid the need for a bone graft teeth is to keep your teeth healthy and strong. As long as healthy teeth are securely affixed to the underlying jawbone, the bone generally remains strong and healthy as well, since it has a job of supporting the teeth. If teeth fall out or need to be pulled due to extensive decay or other problems, the underlying bone no longer has a job to do since it is not supporting the tooth structure. Once the bone fails to have a purpose, it may begin to atrophy and weaken over time. This is an example of “use it or lose it” – if the jawbone is not used to support the teeth, the strength and functionality of the bone may be lost.
If you have missing teeth and are concerned that this may lead to deterioration of the underlying bone, one of the best options to consider is a dental implant. Unlike dentures or a bridge, in which the tooth replacement just sits on the surface of the gums, implants mimic a natural tooth root and are firmly secured to the jawbone. As the implanted area heals, new bone growth is stimulated around the implant, strengthening the bone and avoiding the possibility of further atrophy and the need for a dental bone graft in mouth.
For more information about dental bone grafts, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
