Will I need a bone graft after tooth extraction?

Depending on what type of tooth replacement you will get after tooth extraction, you may also need bone grafting in certain circumstances. This intervention is particularly useful in cases when patients want to get a dental implant but don’t have enough bone tissue to support the implant.

While bone grafting will extend your treatment timeline, the investment of extra time is a worthwhile one as it greatly improves your chances of long-term dental implant success. Patients who will be receiving a bone graft should work closely with their oral surgeon to plan for the procedure.

Depending on what type of tooth replacement you will get after tooth extraction, you may also need bone grafting in certain circumstances.

How Dental Implant Technology Works

Dental implants are so valuable in restoring smiles after tooth loss because they are structurally complete, replacing both roots and crowns of missing teeth. That is possible because of osseointegration, the process in which bone tissue fuses with the titanium implant surface.

Because osseointegration is the foundation of dental implant stability, patients must have adequate bone tissue to support this process. When there is a deficit in bone tissue, dental implants may fail prematurely.

Scenarios When Bone Grafting Is Needed

The following scenarios can present challenges to dental implant placement:

  • Considerable amount of bone removed in extraction
  • Delay in placing dental implants, resulting in subsequent bone loss
  • Congenital bone defects

Fortunately, none of those conditions creates a permanent barrier for a patient to get dental implants. Your oral surgeon can rectify the situation with preliminary bone grafting, which involves taking bone tissue from a donor source and placing it at the proposed implant site.

Patients do need to heal completely and fully integrate the donor bone tissue before proceeding with dental implants. This process extends the overall treatment timeframe, but it reduces the risk of osseointegration failure.

Preparing for Bone Grafting Surgery

If bone grafting is necessary in your case, it will be helpful for you to prepare as thoroughly as possible for that portion of your treatment. Doing so may involve:

  • Making plans for the surgical appointment
  • Buying supplies for post-operative care
  • Meal planning to accommodate any dietary restrictions

You can work with your surgeon to develop a plan for pre- and post-operative care to maximize your chances of positive results from your bone graft.

Patients who are considering dental implants after a tooth extraction and are wondering if bone grafting might be needed are encouraged to schedule a consultation with our team at Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery.

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