When people meet you, the first thing they notice is your smile. As a result, people with dental issues, such as missing teeth, may find it difficult to smile. A beautiful smile requires healthy teeth, healthy gums, and a strong jawbone to keep them in place. Bone and tissue begin to recede when a tooth is lost due to severe decay, gum disease, traumatic injury, or extraction. As a result, we may recommend bone grafting.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves using bone from another area of the body or bone substitute material to repair bone defects. We use bone grafts to help stimulate new bone growth, provide structural support, or promote healing. The type of bone graft performed will depend on the size and location of the bone recession.
A dental bone graft is a medical technique that aids in bone regeneration. When you lose teeth, you often lose jaw density as well. This is known as “bone resorption,” and it can result in significant issues such as:
The tooth’s root stimulates the jaw bone through everyday chewing and eating. The jaw is no longer stimulated regularly when a tooth is lost, leading to bone loss. Gum disease, tumors, infection, and face trauma injuries are other possible causes of bone loss.
As mentioned above, when bone loss occurs, facial aesthetics and vital oral activities like chewing and speaking might be affected. Some tooth replacement methods (such as dental implants) may be difficult or impossible to place if bone loss is significant. Bone loss is why Dr. Henry or Dr. Greer might recommend bone grafting.
We can often treat minor bone defects with autografts, which involve taking bone from another area of the patient’s body. However, more significant bone defects may require an allograft, which uses bone from a donor. Allografts are also commonly used when there is not enough healthy bone available for an autograft.
Bone graft substitutes are also available and are made from synthetic or natural materials. These substitutes typically contain proteins that promote new bone growth. We often use bone grafting in conjunction with other procedures, such as tendon repairs or joint replacements.
The bone graft will eventually fuse with the existing bone, creating a stronger repair. You can expect to feel some discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure. The procedure is generally safe, and complications are rare. However, there is always a risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage, as with any surgery.
Recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s overall health. The bone grafting recovery process requires a great deal of care and attention. However, the benefits of bone grafting greatly outweigh the risks and recovery time involved.
There are many benefits to bone grafting, including a decreased risk of infection, improved healing time, increased bone strength, and the fact that it can help to improve the success rate of dental implants.
Bone grafting is a useful tool for repairing bone defects and stimulating new bone growth. If you need a bone grafting procedure, are interested in dental implants, or would like to learn more about other tooth replacement options, we encourage you to give Northside Dental Group a call.
This is not your traditional dental office – we cater to those who want dazzling, white, healthy teeth in an environment that will make you smile.
