I need extractions for my remaining teeth because I lost most of them to injury and disease. I think I would need bone grafting if I got implants or implant dentures My family dentist says he can place implants, but when I ask them how many implant patients he has had, his answer was “a few.” I’ve been missing teeth so long that I am concerned about needing bone grafting before implants. How do I explain to my dentist that I would rather someone else do the implants? Thank you. Richard from Minneapolis
Richard,
Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s implants. Your decision to get dental implants will improve your oral health and quality of long-term quality of life. You are wise to look for a dentist with advanced implant training for the long-term survival of your implants.
Will You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?
You will need bone grafting for dental implants if you lack enough bone volume to support the implants. After taking a 3-D CT scan, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will explain whether you need bone grafts.
What Is Dental Implant Bone Grafting?
Dental implant bone grafting is a method of building up the lost bone with a graft. Grafts are necessary because the jawbone shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Without enough bone, your dental implants will lack support. It takes about four months for the grafts to heal before you can get implants.
In cases where a dentist must remove damaged teeth, extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement may occur on the same day.
What Are Sources of Bone for Grafts?
An implant dentist may use these sources for bone:
- Donor’s bone
- Synthetic bone
- processed bone from a cow or big
- Bone harvested from your shin or hip
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants and Grafting?
An implant dentist will determine if you are a candidate for implant dentures and bone grafting after taking x-rays and a CT scan. You are probably a candidate if the following is true about you:
- Good oral health
- Good overall health, including free of gum disease
- A non-smoker
How to Find a Dentist for Implants
You can find a dentist for implants by looking at dental websites and reviewing each doctor’s biography for these qualifications:
- Post-graduate training in implant dentistry
- Continuing education in implant dentistry
- Currently and regularly performs implant surgery
- Positive online reviews
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture
After choosing two or three dentists who meet the qualifications, schedule consultations to discuss your concerns and learn about your treatment options and costs for implant dentures. Explain to your family dentist that you appreciate and value his work in support of your oral health. Still, you prefer a dentist with years of training and experience with implant patients.
Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family and implant dentist, sponsors this post.