Do they Bone Graft for Teeth?
Many people are unfamiliar with bone grafting and may even think it is a relatively new procedure. The technique has actually been used for over a hundred years. While the procedure used to complete bone grafting has recently undergone major changes and drastic improvements, it is a safe and effective procedure used to restore damaged bone. It is common for patients with one or more missing teeth to experience bone loss in the jawbone. These patients often benefit from dental bone grafting to restore their damaged jawbone or a jawbone which has experienced resorption. Bone grafting is not performed on the teeth, but rather is used to accommodate an implant for the replacement of missing teeth.
Bone grafting may sound intimidating, but is actually a relatively minor, outpatient procedure that dentists commonly use. The dental professional will make an incision to expose the jawbone and then place the graft material in the treatment site. Grafting aids in promoting the creation of new bone cells. Over time, the patient’s new bone tissue will ultimately replace the grafted material. The human body naturally completes a regular cycle of creating new bone cells and eliminating the old.
Procedure
The procedure used for bone grafting will vary for patients based on their unique circumstances and needs. If a tooth has significant damage and cannot be repaired, it will first need to be removed before the dental professional can place the bone graft. Grafting is commonly used to prepare the patient's jaw to receive a dental implant. After the graft heals completely and fuses to the jawbone, it provides the implant with an incredibly strong and secure base.
Bone graft material is often completed using bone from another area of the patient’s own body. Bone from the back of the jawbone is commonly used in addition to bone obtained from the hip. Grafting material can also be obtained from another human or animal donor. Donor bone is commonly obtained from a cadaver. It is sanitized and completely safe for use in bone grafting. One benefit of using donor bone is that it expedites the recovery process, which can make it more desirable. Another option is for patients to use a synthetic material.
Candidates for Grafting
Any patient who has lost one or more of their adult teeth is typically a good candidate for a bone graft. Patients who have managed gum disease are also typically good candidates for the procedure. After a patient loses a tooth, their body begins to absorb the bone in the socket. The root of the tooth stimulates the jawbone with chewing and routine use.
Bone resorption from the loss of a single tooth is not usually immediately noticeable. Significant bone loss typically occurs in patients with advanced gum disease or multiple missing teeth which can cause significant bone loss. Bone loss in the jaw can actually change the patient’s facial appearance. Bone loss commonly causes sagging. Grafting is effective in the restoration of lost bone tissue.
Recovery
Patients must allow a few months for their jaw to heal following the procedure. After the graft completely heals, dental professionals can then place the implant. The creation of new bone around the graft is critical in successfully restoring the jaw and supporting the future implant. The surgery itself for a graft takes about two hours or less. Follow up appointments are scheduled to ensure the graft is healing as expected and monitor when the jaw is ready to receive the implant.
Tooth loss and bone disease are the most common reasons a patient needs a dental bone graft. The grafting procedure is highly effective and safe. Call today to determine if you may be a good candidate for bone grafting.