Bone Grafting and Dental Implants

When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, a dental implant might be necessary. If missing teeth are making you miss out on family and work functions, consider restoring your smile with bone grafting and dental implants.

Family dentist Dr. Juan M. Carrillo understands the importance of healthy teeth and proper dental care. At Soothing Dental Care in Richmond, Virginia, restoring your smile is a top priority when you’ve lost a tooth or have damaged gum tissue.

Dr. Carrillo and his skilled team of professionals help you decide the best course of action when tooth replacement and smile restoration are your primary concerns.

What’s a dental implant?

A dental implant is the best way to restore or replace missing or damaged teeth. Implants can be inserted anywhere in the top or bottom of your mouth, depending on the problem area. During this procedure, the dentist will implant an artificial tooth root made of titanium. The titanium screw takes the place of your natural tooth root, helping to stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss. 

After the titanium root has adequately fused to your jawbone, Dr. Carrillo attaches an abutment that holds the new artificial tooth to the titanium root. This crown is made from durable material, and it looks and feels like a natural tooth. The crown is created to match the real color of your teeth. Dental implants are perfect if you:

• Are tired of wearing dentures
• Want to replace missing teeth
• Wish you had a nicer smile
• Are worried about bone loss
• Want to save money on costly future procedures

Dental implants aren’t removable, and they don’t slip or slide around like dentures. They’ll even last a lifetime with proper oral care.

What is bone grafting?

Bone grafting is sometimes necessary when receiving a dental implant. When you visit Dr. Carrillo, you can expect a full examination to assess your oral health. Your initial visit includes x-rays and the use of other state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure the best care and treatment plan for you.

The quality of the bone at the site of the dental implant is a critical piece of the implant process. If your jawbone is too weak or too thin to hold onto the artificial tooth successfully, you may need a bone graft before you get a new tooth. A bone graft creates a more solid foundation for a new artificial tooth.

Rebuilding your jawbone

If it’s necessary to rebuild your jawbone, a bone graft may come from a bone-substitute material or a bone from another spot in your body. Your newly grafted jawbone provides the sturdy support structure needed to handle the powerful chewing action and pressure applied to it.

After a bone graft, it can take several months to see new bone growth. In minor cases, the bone grafting and dental implant take place at the same time. Dr. Carrillo helps you determine how to proceed based on the condition of your jawbone.

If you’re ready to request a dental implant consultation, call Dr. Carrillo today at 804-201-9459 to make an appointment. You can also reach out by sending us a secure message.