A dental bone graft is a minor procedure that’s often performed if you lose a tooth or have one extracted.
What is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure that’s used to build up your jaw if it’s too thin or too soft. It utilizes material such as processed bone minerals, and your body will deposit new bone cells around it. The natural bone grows and gradually replaces the graft material completely.
Do I Need a Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction?
A bone graft is usually necessary after a tooth extraction since the bone can start to melt away. This can cause your facial features to sag, so a bone graft can help provide needed structure and support.
Is Bone Graft Necessary for Gum Disease?
If gum disease is severe, you may have lost some of the bone that helps hold your teeth in place. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft to help stimulate the growth of new bone in the area affected by gum disease.
How Do You Prepare for a Bone Grafting?
Your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam that may include X-rays and 3D images. You may also have models made of your teeth and jaw.
In addition, they will talk to you about your medical history before devising a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs, and it will include anesthesia options for the surgery.
What Are the Types of Bone Grafting?
The following are common types of bone grafting:
Socket Grafts
These are usually performed directly after a tooth extraction, often using materials that come from an animal.
Bone Block Grafts
These usually use human bone taken from the patient (often from the lower jaw).
Why is Bone Grafting Performed?
Bone grafting can be performed for the following reasons:
Save Teeth
Severe gum disease can cause bone loss, which can loosen teeth. A bone graft can help provide the bone support needed to keep them in place.
Dental Implant
A bone graft can help generate enough bone for a dental implant to be placed after you’ve lost a tooth or had one pulled.
How is a Bone Graft Performed?
Your dentist will determine what type of anesthesia and bone graft to use before the surgery. An incision will be made in your gum line where you need the graft. The grafting material is then shaped, placed, and secured by using pins, plates, screws, or other hardware. The incision is then closed and bandaged.
What Happens After Bone Grafting?
You’ll receive specific instructions for after-care based on your needs, but in general, you’ll need to take care to preserve the blood clot that will form after your surgery. It usually takes between 3 and 6 months for your natural bone to grow.
Is Dental Bone Grafting Painful?
You’ll receive some type of anesthesia during your procedure, and you may experience mild discomfort afterward. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or suggest an over-the-counter medicine.
To find out more about dental bone grafting, make an appointment today with Cedar Mountain Dental in Newington, CT. We provide exceptional, high-quality care combined with a personalized experience.