Preparing You For Dental Implants
Tooth loss can really put a damper on your life — it can be difficult to eat and speak, not to mention the embarrassment that can come with smiling. If you find yourself feeling self-conscious about missing teeth, dental implants can help you.
Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement treatment, being the only option that stimulates your jawbone to keep it strong. But if you’ve been missing teeth for a while, you may need some supplemental treatments to ensure you’re prepared for implants.
Bone Grafting
Over time, missing teeth can lead to jawbone deterioration. That means your jaw becomes softer and begins to lose its shape, making you look older as well as endangering your other teeth.
Dental implants can keep your jawbone strong, but they require enough jawbone density to be placed. If Dr. Alfano determines that your jawbone has begun to deteriorate, he may suggest a bone graft.
In this procedure, a small amount of bone material will be surgically placed into your jaw to stimulate growth. It may take a few months for your jawbone to regenerate, but once it’s produced enough new bone you’ll be able to receive your dental implant.
Gum Grafting
If you’ve previously had gum disease that’s caused your gums to recede, Dr. Alfano may be able to help you with a graft. Your gums must be healthy enough to support and protect a new dental implant, and a gum graft can make that possible.
For a gum graft, some soft tissue will be taken from somewhere in your mouth, usually the roof, and placed in the areas that healthy gums are needed. This will help your mouth to rebuild gum tissue and enable you to receive a dental implant.
Are bone grafts painful?
Bone grafts with Dr. Alfano aren’t painful because he administers a local anesthetic and uses advanced techniques as well as technology. If you’re still uncomfortable, he can also provide dental sedation.
How long does it take to recover from a bone graft?
Recovery is largely dependent on your body and can take around three months or longer to fully heal and increase bone density.
How long does a gum graft take to heal?
Gum grafts usually only take a couple of weeks to heal. At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Alfano can confirm that your gum graft has healed properly.
Do gum grafts hurt?
The procedure itself won’t be painful due to anesthesia and sedation. If you experience discomfort after the procedure, additional medication may be prescribed.
Do gums regrow?
Unfortunately, your gums will not regrow once they’ve receded. That’s why gum grafts are performed.
Is bone grafting safe?
Yes, bone grafting is generally safe. There are a few rare risks such as the bone not healing properly, but Dr. Alfano will ensure you’re well taken care of.
Get the New Smile You Dream Of
You won’t be afraid to smile when you have dental implants. They can not only give you the chewing strength and stimulation your jaw needs, but they’re also natural-looking.
To learn more about how Dr. Alfano can help you, call our office at (949) 630-0972. You can also fill out the online contact form on this page and we’ll get right back to you.