Millions of Americans have missing teeth, and gaps in your smile can cause a myriad of issues. For example, your jaw can become misaligned, or your teeth can shift into the gaps where your teeth used to be. In addition, you can have bite issues or undue wear and tear on your teeth. Missing teeth also cause your jawbone density to deteriorate. If that’s not enough, your self-confidence and quality of life will likely suffer if your smile isn’t as beautiful as it should be.
Thankfully, dental implants are a fantastic tooth replacement option for many people. However, you may need a bone graft procedure if you don’t have sufficient bone density to support dental implants. So, what factors determine whether you need a bone graft?
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a procedure designed to add bone density to your jaw. The material used for the bone graft can either come from another part of your body or synthetic materials.
What Causes Decreased Bone Density?
Insufficient bone density is usually caused when you don’t replace your missing teeth. Your bone density is preserved when you bite down and chew. Without this pressure and stimulation, your jawbone density begins to deteriorate. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, this jawbone deterioration could cause you to lose more teeth.
What Factors Determine Whether a Bone Graft Is Necessary?
Your dentist will look at two distinct signs when determining whether you need a bone graft procedure before your dental implant procedure. These signs are as follows:
1. The thickness of your jawbone inside your jaw – If your jawbone is too thin, you may require a bone graft to create a more stable base for your dental implant.
2. The hardness or softness of your existing jawbone – If your jawbone is too soft, you may need a bone graft to strengthen and support your dental implant.
Are You Interested in Dental Implants in Palatine, IL?
If you are looking for a dentist near Palatine, look no further than Palatine Complete Dental. Our professional dental team can help form a treatment plan so that you can achieve the best oral health possible. If you would like to schedule a consultation or an appointment, please get in touch with our dental office at (847) 359-7520.