For many patients, the experience of receiving dental implants is life-changing. But for many other patients, the opportunity to receive a dental implant may be hindered by the health of their jaw and bone mass in the mouth. Living with missing or damaged teeth can have a knock-on effect on the overall health of the jaw and bone density, and in some cases, the treatment that will make the most difference – dental implants – isn’t available because of this. This is where bone grafts come in.
Can I still have a dental implant if I have too little bone mass?
Patients with too little bone mass available for a dental implant may be viable candidates for a bone graft. Tooth loss is one of the main causes of bone mass, so it is not uncommon for implant patients to also need a simple or complex bone graft.
What is a bone graft?
Bone grafts are designed to increase the width and height of the bone at the area where the implant is going to be placed.
The bone graft tissue is taken from elsewhere in the body, from a human donor or an animal and grafted onto the area being treated.
What are bone grafts made of?
The commonly used bone graft tissue at Alban City Dental is made in a lab of the same constituents of human bone, namely tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite and mixed with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF), which is made using the patient’s own blood after being put through a centrifuge and is rich in stem cells. This makes the grafts highly biocompatible and gives excellent results. Very rarely, we use human or animal grafts and this will be discussed in detail prior to surgery if needed.
A bone graft also serves to further support the implant and ensure it is in place for many years to come.
Do you still have questions or simply want to book an appointment? Get in touch with us online or call the practice on 01727 614 751.
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