Implants and Bone Grafting

Dental implants are quickly becoming more popular as a replacement for missing teeth. They have a success rate greater than 95% for nonsmokers and nondiabetic patients. Implants are embedded into the bone through a process called osteo integration. Implants are usually preferred over bridges because they don't interfere with the integrity of adjacent teeth.

Over time following the loss of teeth, the bone that once was there begins to decrease. At the time of tooth removal or at a later time, bone may need to be added to prepare for an implant. The bone can be placed within the socket or on top of the bone to build up the bone. Bone grafting is one way to prepare your jaw for an implant or to maintain your current bone height.

Patients may need bone removed, smoothed, or trimmed before or after surgery. This is often done for a partial or complete denture. Bone removal, smoothing, and trimming may need to be done for even a single tooth extraction.