Bone Grafting
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafts are often necessary when there are areas in and around the mouth that have suffered bone loss. Grafts are powdered bone or blocks of bone that are secured in deficient areas of the jaws, so that a future dental implant can be placed. Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Why do I need Bone Grafting?
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. Bone loss can occur from facial trauma, tooth loss, and periodontal disease. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants. Bone grafts help to rebuild the area where the bone is missing. You may need to have a bone grafting done prior to other procedures, like dental implants.
Who is a candidate for a Bone Grafting?
To determine if you have areas of bone loss, we’ll take special dental x-rays. These allow us to see where you have bone loss and if a bone grafting can help to build up the area. If you need a bone grafting, it is important to have it done prior to going for other treatments. Bone grafting is often safe for most patients, but we’ll review your health and medical history to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo oral surgery.
What happens during the Bone Grafting procedure?
The first step is to provide you with anesthetic or sedation of your choosing. We then make an incision into the gums and add a piece of either donor or synthetic bone to the area where it is missing. We will discuss all bone grafting options with you during your consultation appointment. We then suture the gums closed and allow the new grafting to heal. Once the bone grafting has been healed, we can perform other procedures, like placing implants, so that your smile is fully restored.
If you would like to learn more about bone grafting and how it is done, we can answer all of your questions when you call our dental office for more information.
