Understanding the Basics of Bone Grafting

Understanding the Basics of Bone Grafting

Sep 09, 2022

Most dental procedures focus on improving or maintaining healthy and beautiful teeth and gums. That is why it would seem puzzling if a dentist near you recommended a process to restore your jaw. Continue reading and learn about bone grafting in Braes Timbers Houston, TX.

What Is Bone Grafting?

It is a dental procedure to add volume and density in jaw areas where bone loss has occurred. A dentist surgically attaches a bone graft material to the jawbone, fusing it with the bone. The material may be obtained from the patient’s or another person’s body. A bone from animals or a graft from synthetic material is also used. Professionals recommend using grafts from the patient.

The dentist in 77074 may perform a bone graft to provide a sturdy base for dental implants or dentures. In addition, it is done to restore a part of the jawbone lost due to gum disease or tooth loss. Bone grafting may also be carried out to preserve the socket after extraction to facilitate future restorations.

A dental bone graft may be needed to improve facial appearance affected by jaw bone loss. The process helps lift the muscles eliminating the sunken, wrinkled, and aged look on the face. This is particularly helpful for seniors whose jaw bone thins as they age.                  

Types of Dental Bone Graft Procedures

The dentist near you may perform any bone grafting below based on individual oral health needs.

  1. Ridge augmentation

It is bone grafting to increase the volume and width of the jawbone after it has thinned due to tooth loss. In addition, ridge augmentation helps provide a stable foundation for dental restorative options.

  1. Sinus lift

This involves lifting the sinuses in the upper back teeth, which dropped due to missing teeth. Next, the dentist raises them back to their proper positions and places a dental graft below them. The bone graft creates a solid foundation for placing implants.

  1. Socket preservation

Once a tooth is extracted, the sides of the socket cave in, leading to bone loss. Therefore, a socket preservation bone graft is carried out immediately after tooth extraction.

  1. Block bone graft

The dentist takes a bone from the back jawbone and places it on the front of the jaw. It is performed to address significant jawbone loss in the front area of the jaw.

  1. Periodontal bone graft

Advanced gum disease causes jawbone erosion leading to tooth mobility. A periodontal bone graft is done to provide additional support for the teeth. It prevents them from being loose and falling out.

How Is Bone Grafting Done?

The first step of bone grafting in Braes Timbers Houston, TX, is the administration of anesthesia and sedative. The dentist uses them to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. Next, the expert will thoroughly clean the area to be operated on to eliminate bacteria.

Then, the dentist will operate on the gum, separating it from the part of the bone where the graft will be placed. Next, the dental expert will clean and disinfect the area and carefully place the graft on the jaw bone. Then, they will secure the graft with a membrane or dissolvable adhesive material.

Finally, they will suture the gums to allow the graft to fuse with the jaw bone and gums to heal. Complete healing takes 3-9 months, but your gums will return to normal in about a week. Most people would return to work or school the next day after surgery unless they had deep sedation. In such a case, they should rest for a day or two until the sedative wears off completely.

This procedure is done while the patient is under anesthesia and involves no pain. However, when the effects of the anesthetics fade, you will experience pain. The discomfort lasts a few days but is easily relieved by medication and other postoperative care tips. The dental team will guide you through recovery to avoid failure and complications.

Jaw bone loss affects oral health and appearance. It may also hinder teeth restoration procedures like dental implants. Therefore, repair jaw bone deterioration through dental bone graft surgery at Mi Casa Dental-Houston, TX. We will restore your oral health and improve looks. Schedule a consultation with our highly skilled dental professionals today.

Click to listen highlighted text!