The effect of a dental implant is almost unbeatable for those who are missing one or more teeth.

Dental implants look and work just the same as regular teeth and are a truly restorative option for replacing your teeth, as they promote bone growth in the jaw. When the bone is missing or not strong enough on its own, a bone graft for the dental implant is needed in order to properly insert it.

There are three pieces to a dental implant: the metal cylinder placed into the jaw bone that functions as the root of the tooth, the abutment that builds upon the root, and the crown that is placed on the abutment and creates the appearance of a tooth. If your jaw bone is too thin or soft to keep the implant in place, your dentist will talk to you about undergoing the dental bone graft procedure.

WHAT IS A BONE GRAFT?
The bone graft procedure itself requires your dentist to take a section of bone from another area of your body or using special bone grafting material, and graft it onto the jaw bone. There is then a waiting period, usually several months, where the graft creates new, strong bone that can stabilize an implant. Sometimes, a minor graft may be done at the same time as the dental implant surgery. Overall, a bone graft allows the jaw bone to support your dental implant.

IS BONE GRAFTING PAINFUL?
While a dental bone graft may seem intimidating, it really is nothing to worry about. Bone grafting for dental implants is a routine procedure that many patients would report as painless. Since most patients are given an anesthetic during the procedure, it is uncommon for any pain to be felt. After, patients are given an antibiotic to prevent infection and in some cases, pain medication.

‍