Do I need a bone graft before I can get implants?

Having your teeth restored with implants can be truly life changing. But sometimes, the process is more complicated if you have lost a significant amount of bone in the jaw. If you have suffered from bone loss, High Dental Implants Melbourne are still possible with bone grafts at our dental practice in Melbourne.

What causes bone loss?

Losing teeth and not having them immediately replaced with implants, or wearing dentures for years can have devastating effects for the structure of your jaw. The movement of your teeth’s roots stimulate the bone, and in their absence, the bone then starts to deteriorate.

This process, called resorption, can lead to bone loss, which not only impacts your teeth, but the shape of your face. If, after losing some teeth, your face has taken on a ‘shrunken’ appearance, you might be suffering from severe bone loss, which even in extreme cases, is treatable.

Advanced gum disease is yet another cause of bone loss, which starts by destroying the tissue and then the bone that lies underneath.

Can bone loss be reversed?

Severe bone loss will make your life challenging in all manner of ways, from how you eat, what you can eat and the way you talk, to the way you feel about your appearance. In many cases, bone lost by resorption and disease can be regenerated with surgery.

What are bone grafts?

Bone grafts are a bone transplant where bone from other parts of the body, usually the cheek or the hip bone, is taken and placed in the jaw.

If, for whatever reason, it is not possible to use your bone, bone created by using synthetic materials may be employed.

After some time, the bone integrates with the surrounding tissue. Once the integration is complete, you might notice your facial structure changing. At the same time, you will have enough bone density to hold High Dental Implants Melbourne in place.

Am I a candidate for a bone graft?

Age should not be a deterrence, because anyone healthy enough is a viable candidate for the procedure.

That said, bone grafts are less likely to take if you suffer from an auto-immune disease, such as diabetes. At the same time, gum disease also impacts healing, so you will first have to treat it before you can opt for the surgery.

What are the types of bone grafts?

There are three types of bone grafts; socket grafting, ridge augmentation and sinus lift procedure. After examining your mouth, our dentist will know which one is best for you.

How can I prepare for bone grafts?

• Brush your teeth well just before surgery.

• Stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure and post-op. It is a well-known fact that smoking constricts blood vessels, limiting oxygen to healing areas, thus slowing down recovery.

Are you considering High Dental Implants Melbourne, but suffer from bone or tooth loss? We can help with bone grafts.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.