Sometimes dental implants are required to replace a missing or extracted tooth, but the bone beneath the missing tooth has deteriorated too much to effectively hold the implanted post. In this situation, your dental professional may suggest a dental bone graft. A dental bone graft in Fort Collins, CO, supplies more bone material, allowing the post to osseointegrate effectively. As a result, your dentist can proceed with dental implants to replace teeth that are missing or have been extracted.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

During a dental bone graft, your dental professional extracts bone material from a secondary source and grafts it into place inside your mouth, encouraging new regeneration. Your natural bone grows over and around the graft, providing a solid foundation for your new dental implant.

The bone for a dental bone graft may come from one of several sources:

• Your own chin, hip, or shin, called an autograft
• From another human donor, called an allograft
• From the bone of a cow or other animal, called a xenograft
• From hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral called an alloplast
• From ceramics, simply called a ceramic-based graft

Most dental specialists prefer to use the autograft method for grafting bone, but may use other options if this one is not feasible.

Who May Need a Dental Bone Graft in Fort Collins, CO?

If you live in or near the Fort Collins, CO, area, and you require dental implants, your dental professional may discuss the need for a dental bone graft. Generally, this is a good solution if you have too little remaining healthy jawbone material to hold an implanted post. This may happen due to neglect, injury, trauma, or disease. And while it may seem like an unnecessary delay, it’s a better alternative than having an implanted post fail.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Bone Graft?

In many instances, your dentist can perform your dental bone graft the same day, allowing you to return home immediately afterward. However, you may want to have someone drive you to and from your appointment because sedation is necessary to complete the graft.

Basically, you’ll receive anesthesia to block pain while your dentist makes a small incision in your gum and grafts the bone fragment in place, suturing it closed afterward. It usually takes between four and six months for the bone graft to heal completely. At this point, you can have the post placed for your dental implant.

Call Radiant Dental Health Today

If you have questions regarding a dental bone graft in Fort Collins, CO, call Radiant Dental Health today. One of our experienced and professional dental associates is happy to advise you on your options for a brighter smile.