Your teeth are surrounded by bone known as the alveolar bone that holds them firmly in place. However, gum diseases, tooth removal, and dental trauma can compromise the height, shape, and density of the alveolar bone. Bone grafting is an advanced, innovative method of replacing lost bone tissues in order to regain the teeth anchorage.
This is commonly performed prior to dental implants by the biological dentist in San Juan Capistrano. This bone augmentation procedure can help restore the density and volume of your jawbone.
Bone grafting restores jawbone thickness
Bone grafting is a revolutionary surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in your jaw with bone grafting material to encourage regeneration. As the natural bone grows, it absorbs the graft material, resulting in a fully integrated region of new bone.
The graft material is extracted from your own body, or it could be synthetic in nature. It helps reinforce the lost alveolar bone for stabilizing your teeth. It effectively counteracts the natural resorption of the jaw bone post-tooth extraction. This can greatly preserve both your facial profile and your overall oral function.
Bone grafting is indicated when there is alveolar bone loss
You may suffer from bone loss due to events like aging, prolonged missing teeth, genetic or developmental defects, untreated gum disease, and trauma to the jaws.
Bone grafting may be recommended if you:
- Need a tooth extraction
- Plan to replace missing teeth with a dental implant
- Need to enhance the jawbone volume before getting dentures
Bone grafting procedure
Bone grafting is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective bone-enhancement procedure. The steps involved are as follows:
- Before beginning the procedure, your vitals like BP, heart rate, and pulse will be recorded.
- Your dentist will administer local anesthesia (a numbing agent).
- The targeted area will be cleansed with a disinfectant.
- Your dentist will make a small cut or incision in the gums and raise the flap to expose the underlying bone.
- The graft material will be inserted between two sections of the bone that need to grow together.
- The bone graft will be secured using special screws or adhesive material.
- The incision will be closed through sutures.
You are likely to feel mild pain and discomfort for the initial few days. This is temporary and will resolve gradually through painkillers and antibiotics. However, it may take 4 to 5 months before your jaw is strong enough to receive implants.
Summary
Bone grafting offers an excellent success rate that aids in the prevention of long-term health problems associated with bone resorption due to tooth loss and gum disease.