Most of our patients need bone grafting to take advantage of dental services that would otherwise be unavailable to them because of bone loss. This is because the body begins to break down the bone in the area, a process called resorption. When resorption has gone on for a while, there may not be enough bone left to anchor an implant or dentures.
A bone graft is a process of rebuilding missing bone with material from the patient’s own body or synthetic bones. Over the coming months, this material fuses with new, solid bone matter.
Bone is what forms the foundation of dental implants. So, if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that has caused your bone or jaw tissue to decay, then you may need a bone graft to maximize the benefits of dental implants. When searching for an “oral surgeon near me” make sure that bone grafting is one of the services they offer.
With a bone graft, you can make sure the implant is anchored to your jaw and that it will be accepted by the jawbone. You also want to use a bone graft to support the dental prosthetic for several years. A bone graft can also help protect the natural teeth that you still possess and maintain your facial shape and symmetry. In other words, a bone graft is great for retaining your natural teeth, and it can also protect your facial shape and symmetry.
Dental implants are usually not an option for patients when there are external factors, such as loose teeth or braces. They not only help you maintain functional and natural teeth, but they also protect the jaw and surrounding natural teeth. Most importantly, they help provide you with peace of mind knowing that your mouth has been carefully treated.
We have a service that covers single tooth replacement to full mouth dental implants. The service is underpinned with transparency and care.
Finding the right oral surgeon for your bone restoration may not always be easy, but it is necessary for getting a safe and effective treatment.
Here are some ways we can help patients with bone grafts and surgery:
Sinus lift: When someone has lost a lot of bone in the area around their nose, they will also have lost a lot of bone in the mouth. This is because the teeth come in close contact with the sinuses. Bone must be thickened before implants can be placed so that these implants don’t go too deeply into the sinuses (which are called sinus lifts).
Often, people need something called “ridge expansions”. In this procedure, the special type of bone that holds your teeth grows (called ridge bone) may have become too thin. Bone needs to be added back to this area to allow implants to be placed properly without them being too intrusive.
Nerve repositioning: When placing implants in the mandible, it’s important to take care so as not to damage the nerve that runs across that part of the jaw. It may be necessary to reposition the nerve while implants are being placed or build a new channel for it — either way, we are skilled at delicate surgeries like these.
Our advanced knowledge and experience in oral surgery ensures that the best procedure is selected to match your individual circumstances. For example, your initial consultation will be met with full transparency so that you know what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.
The cost of periodontal maintenance will vary according to how many appointments are required. When you attend your consultation, we will provide you with information about our treatment fees and answer any questions you have about paying for treatment.
Not all patients who want dental implants will require a bone graft. If you’ve lost your teeth a few years ago, the resorption process is common (especially if you don’t get treatment). Other reasons for resorption can include cysts and tumors, untreated gum disease, and physical trauma from sporting accidents and traffic accidents.
Some people need a bone graft because they have a minimal amount of bone in the area in which they are having dental implants. What is important is that they find an oral surgeon who can successfully complete the procedure as well as the implant.
A full consultation with a specialist will be needed to determine the perfect treatment for your case. This is because the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis varies depending on whether it’s due to untreated periodontitis or after trauma. Therefore, it’s imperative that you seek out a healthcare professional that can understand your individual needs. We don’t just understand dental surgery, we also understand you.
Autogenous bone grafts come from another part of the body which is then transferred to the site of the treatment. Allograft bone grafts are similar but come from human donors. Alioplasts are synthetic bone materials that act as a substitute for natural bone. Xenograft bone grafts come from animal sources like bovines and equines.
There are various options that dentist can use when deciding how to place a bone graft. There are other like using a computerized milling machine or having a laboratory create the graft for them. Regardless of how it’s made, we start by making a small incision in the patient’s jaw to access their sinus or mandibular area. The new bone material is then carefully inserted while ensuring no damage is done to the jaw. The gum tissues from the incision are then stitched up. Most bone grafts for tooth implant procedures take less than 1.5 hours and cause minimal pain; however, some mild bleeding is expected.
Even though bone grafts are usually quite painless and should be mostly pain free by the time that you come back for your stitch’s removal, it’s important to do some aftercare. If there is any pain or discomfort, which can be managed with antibiotics and painkillers, it should cease by the time that you return for your stitch’s removal.
The new bone material will need time to integrate with the jawbone, otherwise, it will be difficult for dental implants to fuse. This process usually takes between 6 and 9 months. During this time, it is recommended to use a specialized mouthwash while following a professional oral care plan. This may include using soft brushing techniques to avoid damaging the gum tissues.
As we go through treatment, you may have additional things you need to consider — like not smoking or using tobacco or making dietary changes. You may also need to modify your physical activity levels for the first week after treatment. Once we’re done, we can guide you through everything.
A bone graft improves your oral health by reversing the impact of bone loss. It’s the first step to rebuilding the perfect smile for many years to come. Give us a call today to get started.