A dental implant can restore the look of your smile and make it easier to chew your food properly. The implant is a permanent application that is installed inside the bone of the jaw. The implant, which replaces the dental roots of a tooth, is made of a biocompatible metal that easily integrates with your jawbone. In fact, the bone cells actually grow around the implant as the implantation wound heals through a process called osseointegration.

Still, in some cases. the jawbone is not thick enough to support the placement of an implant. If your jawbone is too thin or brittle to receive an implant, your dentist may suggest a bone graft.

Here is a bit of information about bone grafts that are performed before dental implant surgery.

What Is a Bone Graft?

During a dental bone graft procedure, the jawbone is surgically rebuilt or repaired using transplanted bone tissue. The transplantation of healthy bone can offer support and promote more bone development.

Are There Different Types of Bone Grafts?

There are multiple types of bone grafting procedures that may be performed, depending on the needs of the patient. Here are a few of them:

• Socket graft. During a socket graft, bone is placed directly into the socket to prevent its collapse. 
• Preservation graft. A preservation graft is used to expand the jawbone's width before an implant is placed.
• Sinus lift. A sinus lift is used to improve the stability of the upper jawbone to make it more suitable to support an implant.
• Block bone graft. A block bone graft corrects sizable jawbone defects. During the procedure, a block of bone material is harvested from the rear of the jaw and then added to the defective site.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Bone Graft?

The length of your recovery from a bone graft depends on the extensiveness of the grafting wound and the size of your graft. The recovery time may only be several weeks or it could take several months. 

How Soon Should You Receive a Bone Graft?

Once the issues with your jawbone have been identified, it is best to have the bone graft performed as soon as possible. The sooner that your bone graft is completed, the quicker you can have your dental implant installed.

To find out more about bone grafts that may be needed before the placement of dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.