Dental Implants: Bone Graft Healing Stages

What Are Dental Implants?

They are small screw-like metal appliances that replace lost teeth in dentistry. Dental implants feature titanium, a biocompatible metal that integrates well with natural bone tissue.

The procedure for getting tooth implants entails an invasive surgical protocol. The dentist cuts open the gums to expose the bone tissue underneath. Next, (s)he drills the jawbone, creating space for the metal post. After erecting the metal post, the dentist near you sutures the gums, allowing the healing process to begin.

What Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?

Technically, anyone can seek tooth replacement treatments. However, only some can get dental implants. There are two main requirements for you to get dental implants:

1. A missing tooth – if you are not already missing at least one tooth, you may need to undergo a tooth extraction procedure before getting dental implants.
2. A healthy jawbone – is a prerequisite of any procedure for dental implants near you. A healthy jawbone guarantees a stable foundation for the metal post. Therefore, if you have any factors compromising your jawbone’s health, you must undergo bone grafting before getting dental implants.

More About Bone Grafting

It is a surgical procedure often done before dental implants in Saint Paul, MN. The procedure entails repairing and rebuilding the jawbone, particularly at the socket of the lost tooth. The goal is to restore the jaw’s health through bone regeneration. The dentist uses bone grafts from a different part of your body to promote the generation of new bone tissue in your jawbone.

After bone grafting surgery, you cannot receive a dental implant immediately. Instead, the dentist near you will discharge you from the clinic so you can heal and recover for between 3 and 4 months. Some of the factors that may necessitate one grafting before getting dental implants at Little Canada Dental are:

1. Delaying to replace your tooth after loss leads to jaw inactivity that causes bone degeneration over time
2. Advanced periodontal disease that compromises jawbone health
3. Soft or thin jawbone

Why Does It Take Too Long to Heal?

After bone grafting surgery, it may take a while before the transplanted bone tissue is stable to hold a tooth implant. Technically, a dental implant must function like a natural tooth. Therefore, you need a stable framework to support the implant and enable optimal functionality. The dental bone graft healing stages require ample time for the body to generate new bone tissue to build a healthy jawbone. The healing period can take longer than four months for the bone graft to merge with your natural bone tissue fully.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

After going through the healing phase of bone graft surgery, you should be ready to receive dental implants. The implantation procedure also entails surgery. Once the dentist places the implant in your jawbone, you need to heal and recover before further dental work. It should take another 3-4 months to heal after getting a tooth implant. The period is necessary to ensure the titanium metal post integrates with your natural bone tissue, becoming one with your jawbone.

After three or so months, you can return to your dentist’s office for a permanent dental crown. The crown covers the dental implant to complete your treatment.

How Long is the Timeline for Getting Dental Implants?

The timeline for tooth implants can last between three months and a year. It depends on the number of procedures necessary before the tooth replacement step. You will not need to undergo bone graft surgery if you have a healthy jawbone. It can shorten your timeline a bit. However, if you must undergo a tooth extraction, a bone graft surgery, and then get dental implants, expect a long timeline for tooth replacement.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

If it takes that long to replace your teeth, the treatment should be worthwhile. Some factors that make dental implants worth the long wait are:

1. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
2. They prevent bone loss.
3. They can last a lifetime with proper care.
4. They have a high success rate of up to 98%.
5. They are the sturdiest appliances for replacing missing teeth.
6. They improve your aesthetics – by filling the gap in the mouth and framing your face through added muscle support.