Alveolar bone refers to the periodontium surrounding tooth roots, serving to support the teeth. What alveolar bone to teeth is what soil to trees. It is set to take a toll on the stability of teeth if the alveolar bone is in a poor state. Only when there is enough alveolar bone can an implant surgery be conducted. 

    Under normal condition, an implant surgery can be done not long after tooth loss. A lot of people, however, just leave it alone. As a result, alveolar resorption occurs over time and a procedure of bone grafting will be required before seeking a dental implant. 

    Actually, bone grafting here is not to put a piece of bone into your mouth. It refers to putting artificial bone powder to where there is bone loss, with a purpose to cover the periosteum and direct the regrowth of alveolar bone tissues. After it regrows to meet the requirement, an implant surgery will be conducted. Not everyone needs a bone grafting. Implant dentists will run a thorough check-up, including X-ray and CT scan, to get a full diagnosis about the dental condition, based on which they are able to develop a proper treatment plan. 

    As for the amount of bone powder required, it’s not the more, the better. Your dentist is supposed to figure out the right amount required in line with your bone condition. So you do not need to worry a lot about that. 

    Besides, patients with systemic diseases like osteoporosis, or those whose tooth loss is caused by dental trauma, apicitis and periodontal diseases, should look to treat such diseases upfront, since such conditions will lead to alveolar bone loss of varying degree. With such conditions improved, an examination on alveolar bone should be sought to find out whether they are eligible for dental implant surgery or not. Relevant article: Complications of implant sugery

    In most cases, the state of alveolar bone plays an important role in the success of surgery. By no means can it be ignored. You’d better seek an evaluation from a dental implant professional and cooperate well, for the sake of a successful surgery. 

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