Bone Grafting for Deterioration
Following the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth, it is common for individuals to experience feelings of self-conscious and diminished self-worth. In addition to the psychological impact that comes with having missing teeth, there are also detrimental physical effects that occur, such as jawbone deterioration, an increased risk of developing gum disease as well as an increased risk in developing other health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Missing teeth can also limit the types of food you can enjoy, alter your speech and disrupt the harmony of your smile.
If you have had a missing tooth or teeth for some time, there is a chance that your jawbone has deteriorated due to lack of stimulation that the tooth provided. If the deterioration is significant, it may no longer be possible for your jawbone to support a dental implant in its current condition. If this is the case, a bone graft procedure may be an effective treatment for building the amount of jawbone necessary to support an implant and restore your full smile.
If you are missing a tooth or teeth and have been considering dental implants but are worried you may not be a viable candidate, contact our office today. As a native of Greenville and fourth generation dentist, Dr. Preston Hamrick is proud to serve his community by developing personal relationships with all his patients and working hard to understand their needs and goals. Read on to learn more about bone grafting, or to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services including tooth extractions or root canal therapy, call our dentist for an appointment today at 864.292.5125.
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Bone Grafting Procedure
When considering bone grafting, it is important to understand that the process of getting a bone graft and getting a dental implant(s) is just that: a process, one that will require multiple appointments stretched out over several months, or even up to one year.
This process begins with an initial consultation with our dentist Dr. Hamrick, who will conduct a thorough oral examination to determine whether bone grafting is necessary, which will include taking x-rays and images of your mouth, that will also be used to create your personalized dental implant treatment plan and timeline. At your next appointment, Dr. Hamrick will clean your mouth then numb the area to reduce or eliminate discomfort. Dental sedation will also be available to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Next, Dr. Hamrick will make a small incision in your gums and place the graft in the socket. Patients who are providing grafting material from their body will need to plan on an additional appointment for the graft to be collected. Once the graft has healed, a follow up appointment can be scheduled for placement of your dental implant, and finally placement of the permanent crown.
Benefits of Bone Grafting and Dental Implants
Bone grafting in order to have a dental implant(s) is a popular option for individuals who are missing a tooth or teeth. There are several reasons why bone grafting and dental implants are so popular, which include the following:
- Provides the same type of stability and support as a natural tooth/tooth
- Anchored directly to your jawbone, just like natural teeth
- Long lasting solution provided proper self-care is taken
- Restored ability to eat all kinds of food
- Improved ability to enunciate and speak without impedance
- Stimulates your jawbone like your natural tooth would, which prevents loss of jawbone
- Will not shift like traditional dentures
- Maintains the strength and shape of your jaw
- Adjustments not necessary, which will save you time and money
- Alleviates stresses to the jaw that cause pain and/or limited mobility
- Restores the natural look and feel of your full smile
Healing Process and Maintenance
The healing process following placement a bone graft procedure generally takes 1-2 weeks. It is common to experience mild bleeding, swelling and bruising. Swelling and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medicine or prescribed painkillers and ice therapy, placing the ice on the area for 10-minute intervals. To help ensure a fast recovery time and avoid complications, be very gentle when cleaning around the treatment area and follow a soft food diet for at least two weeks. If you follow these aftercare instructions, you will reduce your risk of your bone graft failing and enjoy a faster healing process.
Once you have completed the healing process and following placement of your permanent restoration, you will not need to modify your oral health care routine. So long as you brush and floss your teeth twice daily, eat a healthy diet, and lead a generally healthy lifestyle, your implants will last you for many years to come. We also encourage our clients to schedule regular dental cleanings at least every six months to ensure the health and sustained brightness of your smile. In addition to giving your teeth a professional cleaning, these visits are also an opportunity for Dr. Preston Hamrick to evaluate your overall oral health, as he looks for any indications of gum disease or any other underlying issue that may require treatment.
Cost of Bone Grafting
The total cost of treatment will depend primarily on the type of grafting material used and the number of appointments necessary. For patients with dental insurance, the total cost of bone grafting will depend on whether the procedure is covered under your plan, and if so, how much is covered. Our staff are happy to review your coverage to determine whether your plan does cover the procedure and ensure you maximize your benefits and have minimal out of pocket expenses.
If you are a patient at our practice and do not have dental insurance, consider joining our membership club. Because we value your loyalty, we have launched this club to help save you money on treatment and simplify payments for preventative care. We offer three levels of membership: child, adult, and perio membership. Professional dental cleanings, doctor exams, necessary X-rays, and a 5% discount on all other treatment (some exclusions apply) are included in all membership packages.
You can sign up today and start saving money on treatment online or call us at (864) 292-5125.
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Fall in Love with Your Smile Again
At Heritage Dentistry in Greenville, South Carolina, we are committed to providing 5-star customer service that is relationship based, along with a comprehensive range of treatment options that will ensure your sustained oral health and make you fall in love with your smile again. To schedule a consultation to see if you're a candidate for bone grafting or learn more about our services including dental implants, dentures or even all on 4 dental implants, contact our Greenville dental team for an appointment today at (684) 292-5125.
Learn More About Our Services
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- Bone Grafting
- Children's Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Bridge
- Dental Cleanings
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Exams
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Implants
- Dentist
- Dentures
- Family Dentistry
- Full Mouth Dental Implants
- Gum Contouring
- Gum Grafting
- Implant Supported Dentures
- Invisalign
- Periodontal Therapy
- Porcelain Veneers
- Root Canals
- Scale and Root Planing
- Sedation Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening
- Tooth Extractions