When to Know If You Need a Bone Graft

If you have a missing tooth, you might be wondering if you need to undergo a bone graft. A bone graft involves taking donor bone from another area of your mouth or body and placing it in the space left by the missing tooth to stimulate new tooth root growth and eventually create an anchor for a dental implant or bridge. In some cases, missing teeth can cause jawbone loss because of gum recession, especially if your remaining teeth are worn down or overcrowded.

Over time, these cells will reattach themselves and create a larger space of solid tooth structure. This process can take weeks or months, depending on how much gum tissue has been lost.

When to Know If You Need a Bone Graft

Several factors will affect your likelihood of needing a bone graft in dentistry, these include:

1. Compromised Bone or Sinus Conditions

This may indicate a greater chance of needing a bone graft, how many teeth are being worked on, and if you have any pre-existing conditions like diabetes.

2. Age

Younger patients are more likely to need a bone graft due to their growing bodies.

3. Healing Conditions

Conditions like osteoporosis can slow down and hinder a patient’s natural healing process, requiring a bone graft.

4. Medical Condition

If you have conditions that affect your immune system, you may be more susceptible to dental infections that can cause tooth loss. Because of these possible complications, dentists suggest waiting until any underlying medical issues are under control before getting dental work done.

5. Pre-Existing Dental Work

The more complicated your dental work is, such as extensive tooth or root canal treatments, will increase your likelihood of needing a bone graft. This is because teeth with root canals are much more likely to become infected, which causes bone loss.

6. Smoking

There’s no question that smoking comes with harmful side effects. However, evidence shows a possible link between tobacco use and a greater risk of needing a bone graft.Are you wondering if you need a bone graft or not? The first thing to do is schedule an appointment at Next Smile™ Wollongong to get an x-ray of your teeth and see what is going on inside your mouth. Check out Next Smile™ Wollongong’s services to learn more.