Do you feel less confident because of your missing teeth? Dental implants can fill that gap, giving you a natural look and feel. However, the loss of a tooth might start damaging your jawbones. So what if the dentist tells you to undergo bone grafting before getting the replacement tooth? You might wonder if you can surpass it.

Read this blog to untangle the relationship between these two procedures, and see if you can regain your smile by avoiding this additional surgery.

Why Bone Matters for Dental Implants?

This tooth replacement device needs your jawbone to stay secure. When teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to shrink. Over time, this bone loss can make it tricky to place implants. Bone grafting can solve this problem.

This procedure involves placing bone (or a bone substitute) in your jaw to provide sufficient support for this dental device. Though it is safe and successful, the procedure involves additional time, recovery, and expense. 

Can Dental Implants Be Placed Without Bone Grafting?

Developments in dental technology and surgery can allow you to get dental implants in Pasadena without any bone grafting. This is how:

• Shorter or Narrower Implants: You can get this dental device in different shapes and sizes. Shorter or narrower ones can be used for those with less jawbone to avoid an additional procedure.
• Angled Placement: Dentists can angle them to make better use of available bone, particularly in the upper jaw close to the sinuses.
• Zygomatic Implants: Do you have extreme bone loss in the upper jaw? These longer implants are placed into the cheekbone without grafting.
• All-on-4 Technique: It employs only four strategically positioned posts to hold an entire arch of teeth. They are angulated to allow maximum contact with available bone.

Who’s a Candidate for Graft-Free Implants?

Do remember that not everyone can bypass bone grafting, but you may be eligible if:

• You possess sufficient bone height and width at the site of the implant.
• Your jawbone is healthy and dense, although it may be a bit thin in certain areas.
• You’re open to alternative techniques.

Dental exams, including 3D scans, can help the dentist decide if you are eligible for the dental procedure.

What If Bone Grafting Is Not Avoidable?

On some occasions, your bone loss might be too severe. In those cases, bone grafting can truly help you out. Moreover, improvements in the field of dentistry have made this procedure more comfortable than before.

Talk over all your choices with the dentist. Sometimes, multiple small grafts and high technology can cut down your recovery time.

How Dentists Decide What’s Right for You?

Your mouth and dental needs are unique. Dental technologies such as Cone-beam CT scans can reveal exactly how much bone you have. Moreover, your overall health, medications, and habits such as smoking affect your recovery and the procedure’s success.

Have you been holding back on getting dental implants to avoid bone grafting? Modern techniques and technologies can help you replace your tooth without any additional procedure. Everything depends on your anatomy, your health, and the dentist’s creativity.

Are you ready to revive your smile? Schedule a consultation today to learn more.