When considering , many patients want to know whether bone grafting will be necessary before treatment. At Artistic Dentistry of Atlanta, our dental implant dentists in Atlanta, GA, provide full-service implant care—from evaluation and planning to surgery and restoration. Because we handle the entire process in-house, including bone grafting if needed, you can feel confident that your treatment will be precise, comfortable, and personalized to your unique needs.
Why Bone Grafting Matters for Dental Implants
Dental implants rely on strong, healthy jawbone to anchor securely. Over time, tooth loss can lead to bone resorption, which means the jawbone gradually shrinks or weakens in the area of the missing tooth.
If the bone is too thin or soft, the implant may not fuse properly, jeopardizing long-term stability. Bone grafting solves this issue by adding or rebuilding bone in the jaw, ensuring a strong foundation for the implant.
Situations Where Bone Grafting May Be Needed
Not every patient needs bone grafting. Our dentists will assess your bone structure through advanced imaging and other diagnostics to determine whether grafting is required.
Common situations include:
- Tooth loss from years ago: If a tooth has been missing for an extended period, bone loss is more likely.
- Severe gum disease: Advanced periodontal disease can damage both gums and bone.
- Trauma or injury: Accidents involving the teeth and jaw may leave areas too weak for without additional support.
- Tooth extraction sites: Occasionally, grafting is done immediately after extraction to preserve the site for future implants.
How Bone Grafting Works
Bone grafting is a straightforward procedure performed under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the case. During treatment, one of our dentists adds natural or biocompatible grafting material to the deficient area of your jawbone.
Over time, this material integrates with your own bone, creating a stable, dense base for dental implant placement. Healing time can vary but often ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the extent of grafting needed.
Benefits of Bone Grafting Before Implants
While bone grafting may add a step to the dental implant process, it is an investment in long-term success.
Dental implant benefits include:
- Improved implant stability: Ensures your implant fuses securely with the jaw.
- Better function: Provides a strong base for chewing and speaking with confidence.
- Enhanced appearance: Supports natural facial structure and prevents the sunken look caused by bone loss.
- Higher success rate: Reduces the risk of implant failure due to poor bone quality.
Personalized Care at Artistic Dentistry of Atlanta
Every patient’s smile is unique, which is why our team at Artistic Dentistry of Atlanta carefully evaluates your bone health before recommending implants. If bone grafting is needed, we perform it in our office as part of your complete dental implant journey. This ensures continuity of care, fewer appointments at outside offices, and the peace of mind that comes from working with the same trusted team from start to finish.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
If you’ve been told you might not qualify for implants due to bone loss, don’t give up hope. With today’s advanced techniques, bone grafting can make dental implants possible for more patients than ever. Schedule a consultation with our , to learn more about your options and take the first step toward restoring your smile with confidence. If you’re new to Artistic Dentistry of Atlanta, please call (404) 738-8935. If you’re a returning patient, please call (404) 325-2905.