Dental implants have definitely become the go-to solution for replacing missing teeth. They’re durable, natural-looking, and restore confidence. But here’s the catch: your jawbone has to be strong enough to support them. That’s where bone grafting comes in. In this blog, we’ll help you recognize five common signs that may mean you need a bone graft before implants.
1. Jawbone Loss Due to Tooth Loss or Gum Disease
Have you had a missing tooth for a while? It might be doing more harm than you think. When a tooth is lost and not substituted promptly, the jawbone in that area starts to shrink. It’s like a muscle that gets weak when it’s not used. Without any stimulation from a tooth root, the bone slowly deteriorates.
And if you’ve battled gum disease (a.k.a. periodontal disease), you’re at an even higher risk. Gum disease attacks not just your gums, but the supporting bone beneath them.
Here’s how to tell if this might be your issue:
- You’ve been missing a tooth for over 6 months.
- You’ve noticed that the gum in that area looks sunken.
- Your dentist mentioned bone loss in previous visits.
Bone grafting helps regenerate the lost bone, creating a strong, healthy base for implants. If this sounds like you, it might be time to look into bone grafting in Mesa.
2. Facial Structure Changes or Sunken Cheeks
This one’s not just cosmetic; it’s a clue that your jawbone might be deteriorating.
If your cheeks look flatter than before or you’ve developed an aged appearance, your jawbone could be shrinking beneath the surface. This type of change is common in people who have worn dentures for years or have been missing teeth for a long time.
Watch for:
- A more pronounced chin or jowls
- Wrinkles forming around the mouth
- Sunken areas around the cheeks
These changes can affect more than your appearance. They can impact how you chew, speak, and feel. Bone grafting can restore lost volume, bringing back not just facial shape—but your quality of life.
3. Difficulty or Pain While Chewing
Chewing shouldn’t be painful or difficult. If it is, your jaw might not be strong enough to support your bite. When bone loss reaches a certain point, it affects your ability to chew properly and comfortably.
Ask yourself:
- Does food feel harder to bite through than it used to?
- Do you tend to chew more on one side?
- Have you experienced soreness after meals?
These symptoms can signal that your jawbone isn’t offering enough support. Getting a bone graft now means your implants can work properly later. A graft reinforces your jaw so it can handle normal biting forces again.
If you’re feeling any of this, search for a trusted dentist office near you and schedule a visit for a professional evaluation.
4. CT Scans or X-Rays Reveal Insufficient Bone Density
Even if everything looks fine from the outside, your dentist sees the full picture through imaging.
Digital X-rays and 3D scans show whether you have enough bone to anchor an implant. Your dentist will measure the width and height of the bone in the area of the missing tooth.
Here’s what they’re looking for:
- A bone width of at least 6mm
- A bone height of 10mm or more
- No signs of infection or erosion
If the numbers are off, you’ll likely need a bone graft to create enough support. It’s a proactive step that ensures your implants stay secure for years to come.
The next time you’re at a dentist near you, ask if you need imaging to check your bone density.
5. Previous Dental Trauma or Infections
A hit to the mouth or jaw doesn’t just damage teeth—it can injure the bone beneath. Similarly, untreated infections (like abscesses) can eat away at bone tissue, leaving hollow spots that won’t hold implants properly.
You might need bone grafting if you’ve experienced:
- A sports injury or a car accident that affected your jaw
- A dental infection that wasn’t treated early
- Past extractions that didn’t heal properly
Bone grafts help fill in those damaged or missing areas, giving your jaw the strength it needs to support a new tooth. If your dental history includes trauma or infections, don’t wait—talk to a dentist in Mesa about your options.
Final Thoughts
A strong, healthy jawbone is key to successful dental implants. If you’ve experienced tooth loss, trauma, or bone thinning, a graft may be necessary. Don’t guess—get clarity. At U Smile Family Dentistry, we provide expert evaluations and personalized care to ensure your implants have the best foundation. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your smile.