Bone Augmentation – Dumfries, VA
Strengthening Your Jaw to Support Dental Implants
Prior to undergoing dental implant treatment, a patient must have a jawbone that is strong enough and dense enough to support their new prosthetic tooth roots. If the bone lacks adequate strength and size, the implants might fail to bond with it. Fortunately, patients with a weak jawbone are not automatically barred from getting implants. With a procedure known as bone augmentation in Dumfries, we can prepare your mouth to support your beautiful new teeth.
Why Choose Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Virginia for Bone Augmentation?
- Expert Oral Surgeon
- Comfortable Treatment
- Efficient and Compassionate Care
What Is Bone Augmentation?
The bone augmentation procedure is often referred to as bone grafting. This surgery involves putting extra bone material onto the existing jaw structure. Over time, the new bone will bond with your jaw, allowing it to become stronger and larger so it can successfully integrate with dental implants in Dumfries.
There are multiple types of bone augmentation procedures. In some cases, a small bit of bone from another part of a patient’s own body is used to fortify the jaw. In other cases, donor bone or artificial material is used. The area of the mouth where the graft takes place, as well as the amount of new bone needed, will also have a bearing on the specifics of the surgery.
Why Might I Need Bone Augmentation?
Some circumstances that may lead to the need for bone augmentation include:
- Bone resorption after tooth loss. When the natural teeth go missing, the bone that previously supported them begins to deteriorate Eventually, it can lose so much of its mass that it is no longer able to support implants.
- Gum disease. Gum disease affects much more than just the pink tissue around the teeth. It can also attack the underlying bone structure, causing the jaw to shrink and weaken. Even if you no longer have an active infection in your gums, you may need a graft to prepare your mouth for implants.
- Natural structural issues. Some people’s jawbone is naturally not able to provide support for implants, in which case bone augmentation may be necessary.
What Can I Expect from Bone Augmentation?
When you first meet with Dr. Shinwari to discuss your desire to get dental implants, he will assess your needs and let you know whether bone augmentation is necessary. He will also go over the specifics of your recommended surgery so you know exactly what will happen during your procedure.
If your bone graft will be a fairly minor surgery, it might be performed on the same day that you get dental implants. However, there is also the possibility that you will need to wait several months after your augmentation procedure so the graft has a chance to be fully integrated into your jaw.
Are you ready to learn more about bone augmentation and its role in the dental implant procedure? Call us today to ask questions, or use our online form to request an appointment.