Bone Grafting
If you’ve suffered bone loss due to a missing tooth or are planning to have a tooth extracted, you may need a bone graft. A bone graft can prevent bone loss in your jaw and stimulate new bone growth.
Regarding tooth replacement options, having enough bone to support oral appliances can impact which options work for you. Our team will work closely with you to ensure that you have a healthy, lasting smile for life.
Why do I need bone grafting?
Leaving the area of a missing tooth open can have serious side effects because of the possibility of excessive bone loss. Without the force of the tooth in your jaw, your jawbone can begin to be reabsorbed, resulting in substantial bone loss. Bone loss can change the appearance of your face, the amount of gum tissue you have, and the tooth replacement options available to you. Therefore, a bone graft can help preserve oral health and open tooth replacement options.
A bone graft can stop bone loss and stimulate new bone growth. A bone graft can be taken from you, a human donor, an animal, or a synthetic material. If the graft is from a human donor or animal, it is thoroughly cleaned and safe for grafting. A bone graft will not only restore bone loss and stimulate new bone growth, but it will also open up replacement options for your missing tooth. That is, you will be able to support a dental implant.
Types of bone grafting procedures
Ridge preservation: After an extraction, our team may immediately fill in the void with a bone-grafting material to preserve your already-existing bone. This material will help prevent bone loss after tooth extraction and help support a dental implant procedure after the area heals.
Ridge augmentation: If your tooth has been missing for a while and you have already experienced bone loss, we may suggest a ridge augmentation bone graft. During this procedure, we will cut open your gums to expose your bone and then secure the graft, adding bone and volume to your jawbone before closing the incision area.
Sinus lift bone graft: If you are missing teeth in your upper jaw, your bone can begin reabsorption, and your sinus can expand. A sinus lift can add bone to the area, ensuring enough bone to support a dental implant and that the implant does not pierce the sinus.
Bone grafting may be used in cases of periodontal disease for the possibility of saving teeth or for restoration after an injury.
What to expect during your bone graft
While bone grafting sounds intimidating, you should only experience discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Preventing excessive bone loss is an essential step in maintaining your overall oral health and the appearance of your face.
Our oral surgery specialists at Prime Time Dentistry are highly trained and experienced in bone grafting. We will work closely and carefully with you to determine whether or not your restoration needs require a bone graft. If they do, we will carefully consider all options and your oral health goals to best determine the type of bone graft for you. Our team provides you with high-quality, personalized care. We aim to ensure that you feel at ease and confident in your dental care.
If you are interested in learning more about how bone grafting can prevent or restore bone loss in your jaw, call Prime Time Dentistry at 945-207-7463 to schedule your appointment.
