Why Would I Need a Bone Graft?

Many people wish to undergo dental implants for their missing teeth but suffer from having insufficient jaw bone to hold the dental implant. A dental bone graft is a process in which bone loss in your jaw is replaced with bone grafting material to add volume and density to your jaw.

There are certain circumstances such as aging, missing teeth, genetic or development defects, untreated periodontal disease, and trauma to the jaw that affect the density of the bone in the jaw. If you are considering a tooth extraction or dental implant procedure, an oral professional might recommend a bone graft to support existing teeth or a dental restoration process.

Preparation for Dental Bone Graft Placement

The dentist performs oral consultation to check the health of teeth, gums, jawbone, and overall health. Also, they review the dental X-rays to determine the bone mass in the jaw. Discuss your medical history and medications with the dentist, so that they can prescribe you the proper treatment plan for bone grafting placement.

Dental Bone Graft Procedure

A local anesthetic is administered to numb the surgical site and keep you calm during the procedure. A small incision is made on your gums to remove a small portion of gum tissues to make the jawbone visible. The oral surgeon thoroughly cleans and disinfects the surgical site and bone grafting material is inserted to repair the defect. Finally, gum tissues are repositioned back into position and the incision is closed with stitches or sutures.

Recovery After a Dental Bone Graft

The patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising following the dental bone graft procedure. Sometimes, a small fragment of bone that resembles salt or sand comes out of the surgical site for the first few days following the procedure. If you notice any unusual signs that prevent you from proper healing, seek professional help at the earliest.

Take the medication and antibiotics prescribed by the dentist to reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area. The healing period for a bone graft may vary from four to six months to get you ready for a dental implant procedure. The dental bone grafts restore healthy bone structure and make you closer to a bright smile.

If you think jawbone loss affects your eligibility for restorative procedures, schedule an appointment for dental bone grafts. Visit PS Dental at 12017 SW 70th Ave, Tigard, OR 97223. Call us to book an appointment at (503) 574 4000.