I think I will need bone grafting for dental implants. I lost most of  Although my family dentist says he can do the implants, I am not confident that he has enough experience. I am not comfortable. How will a dentist determine if I am a candidate for bone grafting? Thank you. Rochelle

 

Rochelle,

Thank you for your inquiry. Your decision to get dental implants will improve your oral health. You are wise to be cautious when choosing an implant dentist.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

You will need bone grafting for dental implants if your teeth have been missing for years and you do not have enough bone volume to support implants. Your dentist must take a CT scan to measure your bone volume.

What Is Dental Implant Bone Grafting?

Dental implant bone grafting is a procedure that builds up jawbone volume. When your teeth are missing, your body takes minerals from your jawbone in those areas and uses them elsewhere. As your jawbone shrinks, it will become challenging to support dental implants.

Whether you need implants to replace individual teeth or to support a denture, bone grafting may be required to give implants enough support. The bone grafts need to heal before your dentist places implants.

Bone sources for dental implant grafting

Bone grafting for dental implants can come from your bone—perhaps your hip or below your knee. Other bone sources included a tissue bank or artificial bone.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implant Bone Grafting?

An implant dentist must take x-rays and a CT scan to reveal your oral anatomy, bone volume, and bone health. But you are probably a candidate for implant bone grafting if the following is true:

• Good oral health
• Good overall health, including free of gum disease
• A non-smoker

Consult a Periodontist

Schedule a consultation with two periodontists—specialists with years of post-graduate training in gum disease and dental implants. You can prepare questions and take notes to compare the specialists’ qualifications and whether you liked their interaction with you.

Best wishes.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.