What is Bone Grafting? When is it Necessary?

Introduction

Missing teeth can affect your smile and appearance. Dental implants are long-lasting replacement teeth. However, the jaw bone may not accommodate the implants; This is why bone grafting is necessary.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure necessary for repairing and rebuilding damaged bones with a healthy bone transplant. Most times, people that need dental implants require a bone graft. Bone Grafting in Braes Timbers Houston is an outpatient procedure.

Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?

A bone graft is necessary for augmenting the jawbone before a dental implant. The alveolar bone supports and holds teeth. Once there is a missing tooth, the alveolar bone begins to degenerate, causing bone loss. Also, the jawbone gets strengthened with consistent chewing. Alveolar bone loss can also cause a degeneration of the jawbone

What Are the Types of Bone Grafts?

If you’ve suffered trauma to your teeth or defective gum development, you may have a bone deficiency. Other causes of bone deficiency include gum disease and space after getting a tooth extraction. Before getting bone grafting near you, a dentist will discuss with you and examine the damage to determine the best type of bone graft. The type of bone graft you get depends on the location of the missing teeth and the extent of the damage.

There are four types of bone graft including;

• Socket graft: this type of bone grafting is done to prevent the degeneration of the alveolar bone even before it occurs. A human donor bone is placed in the socket to avoid its collapse. Usually, after 4 to 6 months of getting a bone graft, you should get a dental implant. Furthermore, getting a socket graft minimizes any post-operative pain you may feel after getting a dental implant.
• Lateral ridge preservation graft: similar to the socket graft, lateral ridge preservation graft also uses a human donor bone as the transplant. However, this type of grafting is suitable for increasing the jawbone width to accommodate dental implants. Also, it takes about 4 to 6 months for the jawbone to fuse into the transplant and heal completely.
• Block bone graft: this is suitable for people with significant defects on the jawbone. Usually, the transplanted bone is a small block of bone taken from the back of the jaw. After the placement of the bone graft, small titanium screws are required to hold the graft in place. In addition, a block bone graft takes about 4 to 6 months to heal.
• Sinus lift procedure: the upper jaw is not stable enough to hold implants on its own. Therefore, they require a strong bone graft. Together, Equine bone and human donor bone are suitable for augmenting the upper jaw for implants. Usually, this graft takes about 8 to 12 months to heal.

After Care Tips

After a bone grafting procedure, you may experience some pain, swelling, and minor bleeding, which should subside over a few days. If the discomfort worsens, visit your dentist immediately. After Care Tips that can help relieve pain include;

• Avoid touching the would
• Do not rinse or spit vigorously
• Avoid smoking
• Use pain killers like ibuprofen to relieve pain
• Take mostly fluids and soft foods
• Chew food away from the surgical site
• Use antibiotics to prevent infection
• Do not apply pressure on the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
• If you have swollen jaws, apply pressure with an ice pack, 30 minutes at a time
• Visit a dentist for regular checkups

Conclusion

Although not all people need a bone graft when getting a dental implant, it is necessary in most cases. If you have missing teeth, visit a dentist in 77074 area to get an oral examination and know the best type of bone graft for you.