Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
Bone grafts are sometimes needed before placing dental implants. Patients with periodontal disease, a facial injury, or an infection in their jawbone may require a bone graft to help stabilize a dental implant. In some cases, jaw bone recession occurs as a result of long-term tooth loss, which may be corrected with a bone graft. Let’s explore bone grafts in Beaufort and what to expect when getting one. Plus, find out how Plasma-Rich Injections aid in the recovery of implant surgery.
Getting a dental implant is, in fact, oral surgery, which is why choosing the best implant dentist near you in Beaufort is crucial.
The entire process could span months or even a year or longer, depending on several factors. It is essential, however, that your jawbone is healthy and stable enough to stabilize the implant post. Otherwise, you could wind up losing the implant entirely. The procedure involves several steps, which begin with the removal of the bad tooth, and may include a bone graft.
If you need a bone graft, here’s what to expect. To begin the bone grafting procedure, the damaged tooth is removed first. Then, the bone material and a thin membrane are placed before suturing the gum tissue. A bone graft uses artificial or donor bone placed in the socket where the tooth was extracted. Over time, your body produces new cells that fuse the bone graft in place and becomes as strong as your own jawbone. Once the bone graft fuses to your jawbone, it creates a stable base for the implant, although it may take several months or longer to heal.
What are PRP injections and why are they used with bone grafts?
Dr. Mohler also uses platelet-rich plasma or PRP injections in conjunction with bone grafts to speed up the recovery. PRP is natural and comes from the patient’s own body, eliminating the risk of allergic or immunologic reactions. Additionally, PRP injections significantly speed the recovery and help patients achieve their results faster than without it. Pairing PRP injections along with your bone graft may also decrease the risk of postoperative infection and inflammation, resulting in a more comfortable recovery. If you are receiving PRP injections along with your bone graft, we will draw a small amount of blood beforehand and then separate the platelet-rich plasma right here in our office using a special machine in our lab.
What happens next?
Once your jawbone is healthy and ready for the implant, dental implant surgery begins. The area being treated is numbed before Dr. Chris Mohler, an implant dentist in Beaufort places a titanium implant post into the jawbone. The implant needs time fusing to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which could take three to six months or longer. It is essential not to rush the healing process because you could risk implant failure. Finally, once healing is complete, Dr. Mohler places a tiny connector piece called an abutment to the top of the implant, and then the custom implant crown is permanently attached, revealing the final product.
What does it feel like to get a bone graft?
When people hear the term bone graft, they conjure up all sorts of scary ideas of what to expect. The truth is that placement of the bone graft is generally not painful, although some patients report gum tenderness or a mild ache in their jaw, which is mostly attributed to the tooth being extracted. However, any discomfort should dissipate within a day or two. You may find that eating a diet of soft foods is useful while your mouth heals.
Will I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
The best way to know if you need a bone graft prior to implant placement is to receive a consultation with Dr. Mohler. He will assess digital x-rays to determine your jawbone health, and advise whether you need a bone graft in Beaufort.
Bone Grafts with PRP Microneedling in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, SC
A successful bone graft could make a difference in you being a candidate for dental implants. However, not all bone grafts in dentistry are alike. For the best experience, seek a dentist in Beaufort that offers PRP microneedling along with bone grafts. To learn more or get started, schedule a consultation by calling Chris Mohler, DDS, at (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.