Discover the top reasons you might need bone grafting.

If you are dealing with damaged or missing teeth then you may also be dealing with jaw damage. This is actually quite common. If this is the case, our Herrin, IL, dentist Dr. Christopher Hughes may recommend repairing the bone damage through a procedure known as grafting, which helps to rebuild the jawbone. Learn more about bone grafting and why it’s needed.

You Want a Dental Implant

If you are missing one or more permanent teeth then you may already be talking with our dental team about implants. Of course, you first need a healthy jawbone to support the implant. Therefore, our Herrin, IL, family dentist may recommend bone grafting before getting your implant. This procedure will help to rebuild areas of lost bone to ensure that there is enough healthy jawbone to support the success and longevity of your implant. This is one of the most common reasons people undergo bone grafting.

You Have Advanced Gum Disease

Many Americans are living with some degree of gum disease but don’t even know it. Unfortunately, many people don’t visit their dentist regularly so that the problem can be detected early on. Therefore, most people don’t even realize there is an issue with their gums until the gums are inflamed and painful, or teeth become loose or fall out. Advanced periodontitis also can damage the jawbone. Fortunately, by performing bone grafting, we can help to restore the jawbone and reverse the damage.

You Waited to Seek Treatment

Bone loss occurs rather quickly after losing a missing tooth. Around 25 percent of the jawbone is reabsorbed by the body within the first year of tooth loss. Therefore, if you’ve waited a few years to turn to our dental team to replace a missing tooth you may require bone grafting first. If you’re reading this and you just had a tooth extracted, it’s best to talk with our dental team right away about the next steps for replacing your missing tooth so that you can prevent the need for bone grafting altogether.

If you are interested in getting dental implants you may benefit from bone grafting. To schedule a consultation with our Herrin, IL, family dentist Dr. Hughes and the team at Hughes Dental Arts Centre, call us at (618) 205-9739.