Bone Grafts: Procedure and Treatments
One essence of dental cosmetic or restoration surgery is the fortune brought about from bone augmentation procedures like bone grafting. It can help restore the density and volume of the jawbone and dental implants and improve smile quality because smile and speech both affect a person’s self-esteem.
Dental bone graft procedures are done to create additional support in areas or parts of the jaw where there’s less bone density by increasing the amount of bone in such areas.
This article covers why may need a bone graft, the different types, the procedure involved, and risks. For further information, book an appointment at Chestnut Hill Dentist.
Types Of Dental Bone Grafts.
Some of the different types of bone grafts include:
Sinus Graft: Useful for people who have lost some of the molars on the upper row of teeth. A sinus lift restores the sinus to normal while repairing the gap with a bone graft instead.
Socket Graft: A socket graft is gotten simultaneously when a tooth is extracted and is done to prevent bone loss, usually associated with adult tooth loss.
Block Bone Graft: The preferred option if the patient has a severe bone loss that needs to be addressed, and this type of bone graft sees the dentist using bone from the back of the jawbone near your wisdom teeth.
Bone Grafting Procedure.
The bone grafting treatment process involves removing a piece of bone from another part of a patient’s jaw or body and transplanting it into the jawbone. It takes a long time for the transplanted piece to healing, but once the jawbone does heal, the implant process moves forward, starting with the placement of the titanium dental implant into the jawbone. The second stage also takes up to several months to heal. Finally, once healing is complete, the periodontist will place the abutment, an extension of the implant’s metal post, into the jaw. Again, time must be allowed for the soft tissue to heal. After healing, molds of the teeth and jawbone are taken, and the procedure of inserting the final tooth or teeth can occur. Alternative options today, however, include obtaining bone samples from a cadaveric source or an animal source to replace the missing bone. These options are also just as successful.
When Would I Need A Bone Graft?
Most of the time, if you have suffered a tooth or teeth loss due to trauma or any other cause, or gum disease like periodontitis, it may cause your bone loss to affect the way your face looks. You may start to have sagging facial features because there’s not enough bone left to support them.
Hence, bone grafting helps to restore your appearance and also ensures that any tooth replacements you get stay in place.
Is Dental Bone Grafting A Risky Procedure?
Bone graft risks are relatively low, and dental bone graft procedures come with quite minimal pain? Although the time-consuming factor can be frustrating, patients may experience typical discomfort after surgery, such as gum or skin swelling or bruising and minor bleeding. Fortunately, these side effects dissipate quickly. There are also some diet restrictions, such as only consuming soft foods while the mouth heals, following each stage of the bone graft and implant procedure.
In A Nutshell,
Dental bone grafts are done to help prevent long-term oral health issues associated with tooth loss and gum disease, and it is also done to provide sufficient bone material to support dental implants. It is a standard procedure, which is usually safe and well-tolerated. But when complications develop, see your dentist as soon as possible. Signs of trouble can include pain that persists or worsens several days after the procedure, redness and increased swelling around the gums, persistent tingling or numbness, or a feeling that the implant is loose.
Hammond Pond Dental Group has a strong team of Board-Certified Oral Surgeons in Chestnut Hill, MA and other specialists who are always ready to lend a helping hand when you need one. Reach out to us today.