When Is a Bone Graft Necessary?

December 10, 2021

Getting a dental bone graft is more common than many people think. During a dental bone graft, bone is taken from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic material and placed into your jawbone to regenerate bone that was lost.

Although getting a jawbone graft sounds uncomfortable, the procedure can be done under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort afterward. When is a bone graft necessary for your jaw? There are a few reasons your dentist or oral surgeon might say you need this procedure.

Before Getting Dental Implants

The most common reason people need jawbone grafts is before getting dental implants. When you lose a natural tooth, your body will absorb the jawbone surrounding that tooth over time. Having less jawbone can mean you aren’t a candidate for dental implants. However, with a jawbone graft, you can dramatically increase the success of your dental implants for a beautiful and natural-looking smile [1].

Getting a bone graft prior to a dental implant procedure will help build up bone in your jaw to make it strong enough to support the dental implant. Once you have your dental implant, the implant will continue to stimulate the new bone to regenerate healthy bone for a lifelong tooth replacement. In some cases, people may also need a bone graft before getting dentures, as the jawbone helps support dentures and their movement for a comfortable tooth restoration.

Due to Severe Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, doesn’t just affect your gum tissue and the connective tissue that helps hold your teeth in place. The bacteria involved in gum disease can also harm your jawbone, leading to deterioration that can cause bone loss.

People who are recovering from more severe cases of periodontal disease may need a bone graft to restore their jawbone [2]. A jawbone graft may be necessary for patients who are at risk to lose their teeth as a result of gum disease and deteriorating bone in the jaw.

Jaw Injuries or Osteoporosis

Although less common, for some people, an injury to the jawbone or osteoporosis can lead to bone deterioration in the jaw, making their face appear thinner or sunken even without losing teeth. If this is the case, you may qualify for a bone graft to help restore your jawbone.

If you have osteoporosis, it’s essential that the condition is under treatment in order for you to qualify for a bone graft. Should you have lost jawbone due to trauma or an accident to the face or jaw, you may need to heal completely before getting a bone graft, although, of course, your oral surgeon will let you know what to expect based on your particular case [3].

Do You Need a Bone Graft?

Has your dentist or oral surgeon told you that you need a bone graft? If so, this procedure can help you restore lost bone in the jaw to support dental restorations and even your appearance.

Your oral healthcare professional can let you know more about what to expect when getting a bone graft!