To put it simply, you can compare dental implanting to tree planting, which will help your understanding.

    First of all, you need to take a careful look at the environment and chose an appropriate place for planting a sapling. With enough soil to cover and protect roots, the sapling then is able to gradually integrated into its surrounding environment, and thus enjoy a high possibility of survival. If there’s less soil, it’s hard for the roots to stand firm. 

    When it comes to dental implant, alveolar bone plays a similar role as soil. Before the procedure, dentists will run a thorough examination the see whether the condition of alveolar bone, including the its height, width and density, meets the indications of implant restoration. If so, they can prepare for the surgery. If there isn’t adequate alveolar bone, generally a procedure of bone grafting should be conducted upfront. 

    Is bone grafting terrible? 

    Actually, bone grafting is just a small surgery, not as terrible as you imagine. During the procedure, local anesthesia will be applied. Later dentists start to place bone powder at where there isn’t enough alveolar bone. Then a collagen membrane is used to cover the bone powder to protect it from your tongue and saliva. At last, sutures are placed to secure everything in place. After a certain period of time, your dentist will check the result of bone grafting and determine if it’s time to place an implant post. 

    The severity of alveolar resorption varies from patient to patient, so does the final treatment plan. The procedure of bone grafting may be conducted before or during the implant surgery. For those who suffer from very bad alveolar resorption, implant restoration may not be a feasible option at all. And they may have to seek removable denture or porcelain tooth instead.  

    Will bone grafting hurt?

    According to dentists from AKJ Dental Hospital, the used artificial bone power is very similar to natural bone in terms of components. It is rather safe and won’t cause harm to dental health. Aside from applying bone power, autogenous bone graft can also be considered. 

    With local anesthesia applied, the process is almost painless. As the anesthetic effect fades away after the surgery, however, there will be pain, which is actually normal. The intensity of pain feelings also varies among different individuals. But rest assure, the pain is generally bearable.

    Consult with a professional dentist and get a customized treatment plan if you may need an implant service. If bone grafting is required, you don’t need to be too scared as well. Have the dental work done by an experienced and skillful dentist, for the sake of a successful result. 

    Please feel free to contact me if there’s any dental problem. (WeChat ID: aiyuan325180)