When you make the decision to get a dental implant, you will probably have some questions about the process the surgeon will use. One of the common steps required for dental implants is bone grafting. If you need to have this step completed, here are three questions you may have about it.
Where Does The Surgeon Get The Bone?
Bone grafting is only used when the jawbone is not sufficient to hold an implant, and there are four main places the surgeon can get the bone needed for this:
- From your own body – Surgeons can often remove a part of your chin bone or lower jaw bone. If not, the surgeon may remove part of your hip or shin bone.
- Frozen bones – There are tissue banks that contain freeze-dried bones that surgeons can use for this procedure.
- Animal bones – Certain types of animal bones also work well for bone grafting.
- Synthetic bones – Dentists can also use man-made products that are similar to bones, except that they are made of synthetic materials.
Of these options, using your own bone is the best. Your body will accept this better than any of the other types.
How Is It Installed?
After the surgeon determines which type of bone to use, he or she will remove it from your body if necessary. Once the surgeon has the bone, he or she will install it in your gums by making a small incision.
The surgeon then puts the bone in place and secures it there with titanium screws. Once this is complete, the surgeon may place something on top of the new bone to help it heal.
How Long Will It Take To Heal?
Most bone grafts take around six to nine months to fully heal. This healing time is important before the implant is put in place, and a surgeon will wait until he or she feels the bone is ready for the implant.
Before the implant is installed, the surgeon will remove the titanium screws because they will no longer be needed. The new bone should be fully connected to the old bone at this time.
Dental implants are great for replacing missing teeth, but they require work and time. If you are interested in getting a dental implant, you should make an appointment with an oral surgeon. At this appointment, you will learn whether you will need bone grafting or not, and you can find out other details about this procedure too. Contact a company like Iowa Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, PC for more information.
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