Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in Mesa
When a tooth goes missing, it’s more than just a visual concern. The jawbone in that area starts to weaken over time, which can cause larger oral health challenges. At Anderson Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we use bone grafting to help patients in Mesa restore bone structure and prepare for long-term solutions like dental implants.
If you are considering implants but have been told there is not enough bone in your jaw, bone grafting could be your next step. It is a reliable way to rebuild the foundation your smile needs for secure, lasting implant placement.
Why Bone Grafting Matters
Bone grafting rebuilds the jawbone that has deteriorated over time. This process is essential when placing a dental implant, which requires strong and healthy bone to stay in place. Without sufficient bone support, implants may fail to integrate or become unstable.
Jawbone loss begins soon after a tooth is lost. Without stimulation from chewing, the bone shrinks. Over time, this can affect your facial structure and severely limit your restorative options. Bone grafting helps prevent those complications and restores necessary support.
Common Causes of Bone Loss in the Jaw
Bone loss builds slowly over time but can interfere with successful restorative treatment. Here are common causes of bone deterioration in the jaw:
– Untreated missing teeth
– Advanced periodontal disease
– Chronic oral infections or abscesses
– Accidents or trauma to the face or jaw
– Genetic or developmental conditions
When bone in a section of the jaw has atrophied, grafting may be required to create the solid base necessary for dental restoration.
Bone Grafting Services Offered at Anderson Dental
Not all cases of bone loss are the same, so we offer several bone grafting techniques tailored to your specific oral condition. Common grafting services available at our practice for patients in Mesa include:
– Ridge preservation: Performed immediately after tooth extraction, this procedure helps maintain socket structure and minimizes bone shrinkage that could impact future implant placement.
– Sinus lift: When bone height in the upper jaw is limited near the sinuses, we gently elevate the sinus membrane and insert graft material to create a solid foundation for implants.
– Onlay grafting: When the jawbone is too thin or narrow, bone is added to widen or heighten the affected area, making it suitable for future implants.
These treatments strengthen your jaw and allow for confident, secure implant placement. For example, one patient came years after losing a molar. We discovered the bone volume was too low for a traditional implant. After performing a sinus lift, the bone regenerated over the following months and created a stable base for their implant.
Choosing the Right Bone Graft Material
The type of graft material used depends on the severity of bone loss and your personal health needs. At Anderson Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we help you choose based on comfort, healing expectations, and clinical goals. The main materials we offer include:
– Autograft: Bone tissue is taken from your own body, typically from the jaw or chin, offering a natural integration advantage.
– Allograft: Sourced from a tissue bank, this option is effective and eliminates the need for an additional surgical site.
– Xenograft: Animal bone, usually bovine, is sometimes used when a large amount of scaffold support is needed to trigger the body to build new bone in the area.
Each material has its pros and considerations. We review them with you thoroughly so you can make an informed choice during your treatment planning.
What the Bone Grafting Procedure Involves
We prioritize comfort at every step of the bone grafting process. While the treatment may sound complex, you can expect a carefully managed experience from start to finish.
Here’s what most bone grafting plans involve:
1. An initial consultation where we take digital X-rays or 3D scans to map bone condition.
2. A discussion to determine the appropriate graft technique and material for your case.
3. The grafting procedure, in which the surgical area is numbed and the material is placed in the jaw.
4. A healing period so the graft material can integrate with your natural bone tissue.
5. Once healing completes, the site is evaluated and prepared for implant placement.
Healing usually takes a few months, depending on the extent and area of the graft. We monitor your recovery and keep you informed each step of the way.
When Bone Grafting Makes Sense
Bone grafting is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it makes dental implants possible for many patients. Whether you have recently lost a tooth or have lived with a gap for years, grafting can help recreate the natural structure needed for reliable restoration.
Some patients only require minor grafting following a fresh extraction. Others need more expansive grafts after years of bone loss. For example, one patient postponed replacing a lost molar, which led to significant bone shrinkage. A timely ridge enhancement let us rebuild the area and later place a stable implant.
Timing is key. The sooner we address bone loss, the more options you have. Bone grafting not only restores function but also helps preserve your facial contours and support a natural-looking, secure smile.
At Anderson Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping you restore your dental health with long-term solutions that fit your life and your goals. If you are missing teeth or have been told you do not have enough bone for implants, do not wait to seek help. Let us evaluate your options and get started on effective, lasting care. Schedule a consultation today and learn how bone grafting for dental implants in Mesa can restore the foundation your future smile depends on. Appointments are limited, so contact us now to reserve your spot.
