Supplemental Treatments and Dental Implants

While you may be interested in dental implants and have a desire for them, during the consultation it’s possible that Dr. Chao may deliver this news – that your jawbone has been depleted and may not be able to support an implant. But don’t worry just yet. For patients in Pleasanton, CA there is a surgical procedure that could help in that aspect – the bone graft.

Why Do I Need Sufficient Jawbone?

The success of your dental implant relies on the process of osseointegration. This fusion of the implant to the bone is what secures the implant in place and ensures its longevity and strength. Without a proper amount of bone, the dental implant could fail in osseointegration, causing it to loosen or fall out. Having a sufficient amount of bone will keep your dental implant secure, reliable, and long-lasting.

History of the Bone Graft

The very first recorded bone graft occurred in the late 1600s, when a soldier was injured in the head. Doctors placed a piece of dog bone over his skull injury as a remedy. Later, the soldier returned to the doctors and asked to have it removed, as the Catholic church was going to excommunicate him for having animal bone in his body. When the doctors went to remove it, they were surprised to discover that the dog bone had fused with the man’s skull. It was eventually removed, but this discovery changed the idea of bone grafting in history.

How Does the Process Work?

The extent of the surgical process will depend largely on how much of the jawbone has been receded. If the area of tooth loss is the only area in need of a graft, a small bone graft will be needed. Whereas if the area is much larger and extends throughout the jaw, a larger bone graft may be needed along with a longer recovery period.

A little bone graft is when the dentist will make a small incision down to the bone. Tiny granules of bone will be packed into the depleted bone area and covered with a membranous material. These granules revitalize the bone growth, encouraging it to grow strong. Depending on how much is needed, sometimes this procedure can be done at the same time as the initial stages of dental implant surgery.

A larger bone graft may need a larger sample of bone. This sliver would be removed from a place on your body with ample bone, such as your chin. It’s then surgically applied to the areas of bone depletion and left to heal and create a better foundation for the dental implant.

Soft Tissue Augmentations: What is it?

Gum tissue is also pertinent to the success of your dental implant, as the gum tissue provides support as well for the prosthetic crown. Should you have gum recession or gum disease in the area of your dental implant, a soft tissue augmentation may be the solution. Similar to a bone graft, a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth is removed and applied to the receded gum area. This new tissue covers the roots of the affected teeth and bonds with the gum tissue that’s already there.

Find Out If You Need a Supplemental Treatment with Dr. Chao

If you’re missing one or more teeth and have been told you may need a bone graft, we encourage you to contact Pleasanton Prosthodontics. To learn more about your condition, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chao. During the consultation, your oral health will be evaluated, you’ll have a discussion with Dr. Chao about the best path of treatment, and ultimately a decision on whether or not a bone graft is needed for your desired dental implants.