Bone Grafting
For people with insufficient amounts of bone, dental implants are not often possible. Many of these defects in the upper and lower jaw can be caused by periodontal disease, developmental defects, wearing dentures, injury, or trauma. With advancements in dental technology, we are now able to grow bone where needed, allowing implants to be placed properly. A bone graft not only replaces lost bone, it also simulates the jawbone to regrow bone, which eventually replaces the bone graft with the patient’s own, healthy bone.
What does a bone grafting procedure involve?
Bone grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that is normally performed under local anesthetic and can usually be done at the same time as the implant, unless bone loss is severe. In severe cases, it can take several months for new bone to grow to support the placement of a dental implant.
At first, the grafting material needs to be harvested and prepared for insertion. The grafting material can come from an animal or human donor, and is processed by a laboratory to make it sterile and safe.
During the procedure, we will lift the gum tissue above the bone-deficient area. Bone grafting material is placed in the surgical area and a patch is placed to hold the material in. The gum tissue is then stitched back into position to cover and protect the surgical area. The stitches are small and should dissolve within two weeks.
What is the recovery like for bone grafts?
After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, have some bruising and swelling. Pain medication will most likely be prescribed to you to manage any discomfort following the procedure. You may see bruising two to three days after the procedure. The bruises usually disappear after 10 to 14 days.
If you have questions about bone grafting or other periodontal services that we offer, fill out the form below and someone from our team will be in touch.
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