Bone Grafts in Akron, Ohio
The team at Eberhardt Dentistry has many ways to make you smile. Some dental procedures, such as dental implant surgery, may require a bone graft before dental implant placement. A bone graft is a procedure in which either natural bone or a bone substitute is added to your existing bone to encourage your body to create its own, new bone.
A bone graft can repair bones that have been damaged or augment bones that are not large or sturdy enough to support implants or other dental appliances. Bone grafts can also be used for repairing bones in reconstructive surgery when a tumor or other bone tissue has been removed. Bone grafts can help ensure that your dental implants have a secure foundation.
Bone Graft Options
There are different types of bone graft. The bone grafting material may be natural bone or a bone substitute. In either case, the bone is added to your existing, living bone and becomes a part of your bone structure over time as you recover and heal from surgery. The graft may be preserved using freeze-drying for storage before the procedure. If you are considering a bone graft or think you may need one, our team will discuss your options with you and help you understand and choose the type of bone graft that fits your needs and maintains your oral health.
Why Might I Need a Bone Graft?
If you are having a dental procedure, such as dentures, dental implants, or anything else that involves attaching something to the bones of the jaw, you may need a bone graft. If you have had dentures for a long time without implants, it is normal for bone loss to occur. In this case, the existing bone might not be able to support a dental implant. Dental implant placement in bone that is not strong enough could cause the implant to come loose, possibly damaging the bone and surrounding gum tissue. Grafts can prevent this from happening by promoting bone growth and giving the implant a more stable foundation.
One area that may be vulnerable to bone loss is the alveolar ridge above the upper row of teeth. A bone graft could aid in alveolar ridge preservation, which would help the upper jaw support a dental implant. You may also not have enough bone near the sinus floor to anchor an upper implant. In this case, the graft would provide something for the threads and screw of the implant to attach to.
If you have any questions or think you may be a candidate for or need bone grafts, please call (330) 836-558 to schedule an appointment with Eberhardt Dentistry today.
