Dental implant is the process that is done to save the damaged gum or tooth where titanium screw is drilled inside the gum after removing the damaged tissue beneath the tooth. If the tooth is damned then artifical dental crown is placed over the screw to fill the gap. Bone grafting is needed while making the dental implant, but only when bone density is lacking. Bone grafting is the process that helps to place dental implants one with weak bones in the jaw.
Why is bone grafting needed for a dental implant?
Bone grafting is needed for dental implants as it helps to support the bone volume. Bone density is required to sustain the drilling process of screw. It is popular and it is well-known across the world. The bone used for bone grafting is taken from the patient themself, known as autograft, or it might be taken from a donor’s bone, known as allograft. Synthetic material can also be used as the bone for this process.
How can bone grafting be avoided?
Bone grafting can be avoided for several specific reasons. It is common among people with bone loss issues. Some effective approaches to avoid bone grafting are:
Using implants that are shorter and smaller than standard sized implants helps in avoiding bone grafting. Facial bone strength and structure are major factors in shaping facial aesthetics and, in turn, boost confidence. Also due to its small size it is very less invasive in nature but bite forces may vary.
Zygomatic implants which are very long in length and are anchored directly in the jawbones helps patient who have severe bone loss in their jaws.This approach help avoid sinus bone grafting. But it is highly complex in nature and requires specialist treatment.
Many times, four to six implants are placed at an angle inside the mouth to form an arch-like structure to support the cheekbone where the bone quantity is low.However, this practice can only be used in the case of full mouth restorations.
Sometimes inadequate bone height leads to difficulty in placing of implants. In such scenarios, expansion of the jaw ridge is forced so that proper fitment of the implants is possible.
Medications such as platelet-rich fibrin are used to improve bone health and density. This eliminates bone grafting.
Bone grafting is not necessary for all dental implant processes, but is required in cases where bone health, bone density, and bone structures hinder implant placement. In severe cases where the jaw bone is very weak to support the weight and shape of the implants, bone grafting is highly recommended before the implants can be customized and fitted in the mouth. Hence, for cases where the dentist recommends bone grafting before implant surgery, it is highly recommended to go through the process to avoid misfit or damage to the dental implants during the final placement in one’s mouth.
