Living with missing teeth impacts your quality of life in several ways. You may not be able to eat many of the foods you enjoy because you can't chew comfortably. You might also feel self-conscious about talking, laughing, or smiling due to the gaps in your smile.
The good news is that dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth replacement, but what if you've experienced significant bone loss in the past? You might've been told that you're not a good candidate for tooth implants; however, bone grafting for dental implants in Medina, OH may just be the solution you need. Here's what you should know.
Dental Implant Preparation
When our dentists evaluate patients for dental implants, one of the primary factors they look for is sufficient healthy bone to support the implant. If there's insufficient bone, they may recommend a bone grafting procedure to rebuild your jawbone for implant support before your dental implant placement. Here are some signs you might need bone grafting before implants:
- History of periodontal (gum) disease — Gum disease destroys the bone that supports tooth roots and dental implant posts.
- Long-term denture wear — Since traditional dentures rely on the jawbone for fit and to stay in place, long-term denture wear often causes bone deterioration and loss over time.
- Prolonged tooth loss — When you lose a tooth, you also lose a root, which leaves the jawbone with nothing to support. This also causes deterioration and bone loss over time.
- Facial trauma — An accident or trauma to the face can also weaken the jawbone.
A dental bone graft in Medina, Ohio, takes bone material, either from your body or synthetic, and uses it to build bone structure by integrating it with your jawbone. This ensures that you have enough healthy bone to support an implant.
Talk with Our Team
If you're living with tooth loss and would like to learn more about your options, you can talk with our team at (330) 725-9851 and book an evaluation with one of our dentists.