Bone Grafts
Perhaps you are looking into getting dental implants, but you don’t have enough density in your jawbone to properly support them. Or maybe you’ve just had a tooth extracted and there’s an indent where your old tooth used to be. Not to worry, with a bone grafting procedure our experienced team can strengthen your jawbone using a bone grafting procedure. For a consultation, call the office or schedule your appointment conveniently online.
Why would I need a Bone graft?
A bone graft is a procedure designed to give your jaw bone an increase in density or size. Bone cells, like all cells, grow old and need to be replaced. What usually stimulates the new growth is the force exerted through the teeth and their roots on the jaw bone. After a tooth extraction, there is no more pressure exerted in that area and no more stimulation for further bone growth. This results in a reduction in bone density at the extraction site.
If you would like to have dental implants or hybrid implants fitted, then a bone graft is often required to increase bone density. It’s necessary that your jawbone has enough density to properly support the implant. If you are considering dentures, there may be some additional reasons why you may have a bone graft. Firstly, a bone graft will contribute towards a strong foundation for the dentures. Secondly, a bone graft will smooth the jaw bone making it less likely that the dentures will slide around in your mouth. Even those who choose not to opt for any prosthetic replacement may decide to have a bone graft solely for the purpose of having a smoother jaw.
There are times when a bone graft might be necessary if you have gum disease or experience trauma to the jaw area.
What is the Bone Grafting process like?
Oftentimes a bone graft is performed at the same time as your tooth extraction. If this is the case, the grafting material is placed into the socket directly after the tooth removal. By performing a bone graft at the same time as your extraction it saves you from multiple surgeries and appointments.
Bone grafts can be made from a variety of materials, including:
- Synthetic materials
- Bone material from another part of your body
- Human donor bone material
- Bone material from an animal source
If you are receiving a bone graft in a separate appointment, we will cut into your gums revealing the bone site beneath. Your surgeon places the graft and covers it with a membrane. At this point, the site is stitched up. Over the next few months, your natural bone grows around the implant material adding strength and density.
Are Bone Grafts painful?
If your bone graft is performed at the same time as your tooth extraction, it is no more painful than that process. Additionally, since you will be under the influence of a local anesthetic and sedation if you choose, you won’t be able to feel the process at all. If your bone graft is occurring at a separate appointment, the same anesthesia or sedation is available.
After your bone graft, it takes a few days for your gums to heal. Your pain should be minimal and can be reduced by taking over-the-counter medicines. Your oral surgeon will give you specific instructions after your procedure.
If you were hoping for dental implants but don’t have enough jawbone density, there is no need to worry. Schedule an appointment for a bone graft consultation by phone or online.
What happens during the Bone Grafting process?
CAN BONE GRAFTING PREVENT DRY SOCKET?
A bone graft is one way of preventing dry socket. Dry socket can be very painful. It occurs when sensitive nerve endings are exposed in the socket after a tooth has been extracted. Normally a blood clot will cover the socket, offering you some protection but actions such as eating, coughing, or sneezing can dislodge the clot. A bone graft can prevent the condition from occurring by placing the bone in the socket and covering the nerve endings.
