Dental implants can be a great way to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile. That said, dental implants aren't suitable for everyone.
If you have missing teeth, dental implants could be a natural looking, permanent tooth replacement option for you.
However, when it comes to dental implants not everyone is a good candidate. In order to support dental implants the patient must have a strong healthy jawbone and gums.
Dental implants may not be suitable for you if you suffer from oral health problems such as gingivitis, or bone loss due to a tooth abscess.
That said, in some cases a bone graft can be done to help to strengthen the jawbone and make dental implants a viable tooth replacement option.
If a bone graft is required, the surgeon will take a section of bone from a different part of your body, or use a special bone grafting material, and graft it onto your jaw bone.
Your jaw may take several months to completely heal following the bone grafting surgery. Once healed your dentist will be able to begin with the dental implant process.