Bone Grafting & When to Consider It
There are multiple situations in which a bone graft might be recommended. Bone grafting benefits patients who have suffered bone loss in the jaw. Let’s dive into what bone grafting is and why it is a part of oral surgery.
How Bone Grafting Works
When a patient loses single or multiple teeth, those gaps stop natural bone growth. When new bone growth ceases, the jawbone can begin to atrophy. Missing teeth can also lead to infections such as periodontitis and may also result in a drop in jawbone density.
If you have had missing teeth for a while, your jaw may not be able to support tooth replacements such as dental implants. To restore your former bone density, your oral surgeon will use natural or synthetic bone graft material to strengthen a weakened jaw.
After your bone graft is in place, the healing period takes anywhere from 3–10 months as the bone replacement hardens. Once it has been determined that healthy bone density is restored, you can then get a dental implant to keep your jaw and other teeth healthy.
Types of Bone Grafting
There are several types of bone grafts available, including alloplastic grafts, allografts, autografts, and xenografts.
An alloplastic graft is a synthetic bone graft that oral surgeons construct out of calcium sodium phosphosilicate (a glass-like material) or calcium phosphate.
Xenografts and allografts use organic bone material from other natural sources, while an autograft requires bone from another area of your body specifically.
Common Bone Graft Procedures
Several bone grafting surgeries are available today with advanced oral surgery technology. Two common bone grafting procedures include the sinus lift and the socket graft.
If you have lost bone density after losing teeth or suffering from periodontal disease, a sinus lift can be beneficial. While a socket graft is a good option for you if you are getting a tooth extracted.
When to Consider
A bone graft is ideal for anyone who has lost jawbone density due to tooth loss or gum periodontitis. Bone atrophy can affect your appearance, and confidence as the jaw collapses inward. A bone graft is necessary to restore full jawbone density and function so that you can get a long-lasting tooth replacement such as a dental implant.
Bone Grafting to Bring Back Confidence With Dr. Pollock
At Rockwall Oral Surgery we use the latest technology in oral surgery to keep your smile healthy. Contact our team to discuss treatment options for bone grafting.
Ready to make your dental goals a reality? Contact Dr. Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery to schedule a dental appointment. We are available by phone at (469) 264-8921 or email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com.
