Why Might You Need Bone Grafting Before Getting a Dental Implant?

Are you ready to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant so that you have a beautiful and natural-looking smile? It is estimated that nearly half a million people in the United States get dental implants annually. When you visit Dr. Shivani Gupta at Peninsula Dental Implant Center in San Francisco, California, for your free consultation, it may be recommended that a bone graft be done before the dental implant process can begin. A graft may be necessary when there is a loss of jawbone. While this adds an additional step, it is essential for the success of your new smile.

What Is a Bone Graft? 

Bone grafting involves the addition of bone tissue to an area of your body to strengthen it. The bone can come from another area of your body or be donor material. When your jawbone needs to be strengthened to support a dental implant, this additional bone material will be added (or grafted) to the weak area. Your jaw will integrate with the graft, and its density will be restored. When you lose a tooth, research has shown that you can lose up to 25 percent of your jawbone’s density within the first year. Those who require a graft before dental implant placement are those who have likely gone a year or more before deciding to replace a lost tooth. 

Do You Need a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is not required to get a dental implant, at least not in every case. A bone graft may be recommended if:

• There are development defects
• You have a history of advanced gum disease
• You have experienced trauma or injury to your face
• You have waited a year or more to replace your lost tooth, leading to a weakened jawbone

If you want to learn more about dental implants, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Gupta at Peninsula Dental Implant Center by calling (650) 232-7650.

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