Bone grafting to prepare for dental implants
Dental implants are a popular solution for patients in the Riverside, California, area who have experienced tooth loss. Dr. Neal Edwards at Neal Edwards DDS often recommends them when compared to dentures or dental bridges. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Patients must have enough bone in the jaw for the procedure to be successful. To achieve this, patients can consider solutions to prepare the smile, such as bone grafting.
Understanding bone graft surgery
The first step to understanding bone grafting is learning about the jawbone. The jawbone has many functions, such as supporting the teeth and protecting the facial structure. As patients age or experience tooth loss, their jaw begins to lose density. Over time, this can eventually weaken the jaw and cause problems with chewing or smiling confidently. Bone grafting involves adding new material to the jaw to reinforce it against these issues.
Is bone grafting right for me?
Dr. Neal Edwards often recommends bone grafting when his patients in Riverside, California, need dental implants but do not have enough bone present in their jaws for it to be successful. The procedure can also improve overall oral health and correct damage from injuries or other conditions that may have weakened the jaw over time. When patients consider dental implants but do not have sufficient bone, they can ask about bone grafting to prepare the area for placement at a later time.
Why choose dental implants?
Dental implants benefit patients, making them a highly desirable alternative to other tooth replacement solutions. They are:
- Long-lasting, often lasting a lifetime
- Restorations that function like natural teeth
- Made of biocompatible materials
- Natural-looking
- Versatile, holding a crown, bridge, or denture in place
How do I know if I need to undergo bone grafting?
If you like to benefit from bone grafting, our team at the office of Dr. Neal Edwards can assist. Call (951) 614-0033 to request an appointment at 3731 Tibbetts Street, Suite 7 of Riverside, CA.
We accept new and current patients and families from the community, including the cities of Corona, Lomo, Linda, Norco, and Moreno Valley, CA.