Am I a Candidate for Bone Grafting?

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Question submitted by: Casey

Can you help me figure something out? I’m 42 years old. When I was 17, I had a dental bridge placed. I would like to replace the missing teeth with dental implants but feel fairly certain I see some bone loss. I’ve heard that makes it hard to get dental implants. A friend told me that bone grafting can solve this problem. Is there a way to know if you are a good candidate for bone grafting?

Casey

Dear Casey,

You are correct that you need adequate bone support for dental implants. As you can see from the image above, the implant is surgically placed into the bone. Then, a period of time is allowed for both healing as well as osseointegration. This is when the bone integrates with the dental implant. It is that integration that keeps the implant secure.

The decision about candidacy for dental implants, as well as bone grafting, relies on a number of factors. First, you must be in good general health. Your implant dentist will also do careful diagnostics including x-rays and a CT scan. The results of that will determine whether or not you are a good candidate.

When you choose the dentist to do your work, you will want someone with advanced training in dental implants. General dental school will not be enough. This is an advanced and complicated procedure. It is also very helpful if the dentist can do the surgery themselves, instead of farming it out to an oral surgeon. This eliminates any chances of miscommunication between the dentist and the surgeon. If you do need to go to someone who uses an oral surgeon, make certain it is the dentist who determines the placement of the implants. To get an idea of what you want to look for with an implant dentist, take a peek at Dr. Steinberg’s bio. Notice all his post-doctoral training as well as his continuing education hours.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson, AZ Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.