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Reasons You May Need Bone Augmentation
Posted on 6/16/2025 by Dr. Michael Allard
Have you heard the term "bone augmentation" and wondered what it is? If you're missing teeth or have significant bone loss, bone augmentation might be a necessary step before getting dental implants. In this article, we'll explore the reasons you may need bone augmentation and how it can benefit your oral health.
What is Bone Augmentation?
Bone augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in your jaw. This procedure is often performed by oral surgeons like myself, and it can be done in a variety of ways depending on the specific needs of the patient. The goal of bone augmentation is to create a strong foundation for dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone.
Why Do You Need Bone Augmentation?
There are several reasons why you might need bone augmentation:
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Missing Teeth: When you lose a tooth, the bone around the tooth socket begins to shrink. This is because the tooth root is no longer present to stimulate the bone growth. Over time, the bone loss can make it difficult to place dental implants.
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Gum Disease: Gum disease can also cause bone loss. The bacteria that cause gum disease can damage the bone and tissue that support your teeth. This bone loss can lead to tooth loss and the need for bone augmentation.
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Trauma: Trauma to the face, such as an accident or injury, can also lead to bone loss. If you have lost bone due to trauma, you may need bone augmentation before you can get dental implants.
Benefits of Bone Augmentation
Restoration dentistry aims to restore your oral health and function. Bone augmentation is an important part of this process, as it can help to:
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Support Dental Implants: Bone augmentation creates a strong foundation for dental implants, which can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
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Prevent Further Bone Loss: Bone augmentation can help to prevent further bone loss by stimulating the growth of new bone.
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Improve Facial Appearance: Bone loss can cause your face to look sunken in. Bone augmentation can help to restore the volume of your face and improve your appearance.
Conclusion
Bone augmentation is a safe and effective procedure that can benefit many people who are missing teeth or have significant bone loss. If you are considering dental implants, it is important to discuss the possibility of needing bone augmentation with your oral surgeon.