Implant Supported Dentures: Is a Bone Graft Recommended?

Implant Supported Dentures Tacoma, WA

Patients may consider implant supported dentures a compromise between conventional and dental implants. Implant-supported dentures involve four to six implants, or titanium screws, installed into a patient's jawbone. Once installed, the patient must wait for the screws to fuse with the bone. After about three to six months, the dentist attaches unique dentures. Once finished, the patient's smile will look more natural than with traditional dentures.

Why you may need a bone graft for implant-supported dentures

If a patient decides to undergo the procedure to receive implant-supported dentures, the jawbone needs to be healthy and prepared for installation. In some cases, patients may require a bone graft to increase strength or bone density before the procedure.

Why do you need a bone graft?

Dentists use titanium implants to secure a patient's dentures. The titanium fuses with the jawbone to ensure the implant does not slip or cause bone damage. Sometimes a patient's jawbone is not dense enough to undergo implant surgery for implant-supported dentures. When an individual chews, the mouth exerts pressure on the bone. If the bone is thin, it cannot support the implant and the procedure may fail. Bone grafts create the base for the implant.

Bone loss may occur after tooth extraction. When a patient does not have the tooth replaced after an extraction, the bone begins to deteriorate. The alveolar bone requires stimulation to remain strong, and without it, it begins to break down. Bone loss also occurs due to periodontal disease or gum disease. Gum disease causes infections within the gums and to the bone. Facial trauma may also result in bone loss, especially if the patient loses teeth.

What happens during a bone graft?

Dental bone grafts may use synthetic material or bone from the hip, tibia, or back of the jaw. Sometimes, the dentist may choose to do a bone graft using the patient's bone. When patients have an autograft or bone graft with their bone, the healing time tends to be faster, and the bone formation occurs quicker.

The dentist makes an incision during the bone graft to separate the gums from the bone. Next, the professional places the material between the two sections of bone that the dentist wants to grow together. The dentist can secure the bone graft using a dissolvable adhesive material or membrane with screws. Following the bone graft, the dentist sews up the incision and waits for the bone graft to heal before installing the implant-supported dentures.

Conclusion

For patients who require dentures, implant-supported dentures may be an option to restore their ability to chew and speak and improve their smile. After losing teeth, patients can lose hard and soft tissues, including bone tissue. Bone grafts can restore some bone loss or prevent further bone loss after an extraction. Implant-supported dentures may require a patient to undergo a bone graft.

Request an appointment here: https://www.korsmofamilydental.com or call Korsmo Family Dental at (253) 336-0016 for an appointment in our Tacoma office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Supported Dentures in Tacoma, WA.

Recent Posts

Differences Between Implant Supported Dentures And Traditional Dentures

If you are missing teeth, you may assume that your only options are receiving implants or dentures from your dentist. A recent option to replace missing teeth is a combination of the two strategies: implant-supported dentures.There are some situations in which traditional dentures are better and others in which the implant-supported variety would provide greater…

Reasons To Replace Missing Teeth With Dentures

Many people get dentures because they believe that missing a tooth is not appealing from a cosmetic standpoint. Missing teeth can also be detrimental to your oral health. This is why dentures are necessary to replace teeth, among other options. The dentist will go through the various alternatives with you. Regardless, you should always try…

When Do You Need Dentures?

You might think dentures are only for seniors, but it is possible to need them sooner. Tooth loss does not happen immediately, so you might not need dentures right away.But there are a few signs that suggest it may be time to invest in a new smile. Keep reading to learn more about these signs.If…

Learning How To Speak And Eat With Dentures

If you are getting dentures, you might want to learn how to eat and speak with them.The good news is there are a few ways you can do that. It just takes some patience. Within no time, you will be speaking and eating, just like usual.It takes some time to get used to false teeth.…

Recent Posts

Commit To A Healthier Mouth And Body With Routine Dental Care

Commit To A Healthier Mouth And Body With Routine Dental Care

When it comes to health and wellness, prevention plays an integral role. In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, practicing routine dental care is a vital step in maintaining a healthy mouth and body. There are numerous benefits for patients who commit to proper home and professional dental care.Routine dental care is necessary to maintain…

Importance Of Teeth Cleanings For Routine Dental Care

Importance Of Teeth Cleanings For Routine Dental Care

Professional teeth cleaning is an important aspect of routine dental care. In addition to practicing thorough oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing and flossing of the teeth, patients should always maintain biannual dental exams to ensure excellent oral health.The following are a few of the numerous benefits that regular teeth cleanings offer when included…