Bone Grafting
North Dallas
 Our bones are rigid, but they are not unchanging. In fact, bone is constantly remodeling itself, depositing new cells and removing the old. Skilled orthodontists utilize the adaptability of the jawbone when placing braces or other prosthetic devices to reposition the teeth or jaws.
This function of the jawbone can have a negative impact, however, when an adult loses a tooth.
Effects Of Tooth Loss
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath can begin to resorb or deteriorate due to a lack of stimulus from chewing and grinding. Gum disease can produce the same effect. Your teeth and jawbones are primary structures of your facial features, and the loss of too many teeth or too much bone mass can have a significant, aging effect on appearance. Facial features may begin sagging or weakening. The loss of bone mass around the jaw will also make replacing teeth much more difficult.
To remedy lost bone, modern grafting methods can help rebuild a deteriorated jaw. Both bone grafting and tooth restoration can ultimately strengthen your jawbone and provide your facial features with much-needed support.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that utilizes grafting material to help the body regenerate new bone cells. Grafting material can be created from processed bone materials. These processed bone materials can be your own or a donor’s. When receiving grafting material from a donor, our laboratory treats the bone to ensure it is sterile and safe to use. A variety of synthetic substances can also be used in creating this grafting material, often taking the form of granules, powder, putty, or gel injected through a syringe. When applied, the graft itself will act as a scaffold upon which the body will generate and build new bone.
During the bone grafting process, a small cut is made in the gums to access the underlying bone. The surgeon adds grafting material before enclosing the graft in a collagen membrane; this membrane will protect the graft during the repair and recovery process.
How Are Bone Grafts Used?
Bone grafts can have many dental applications, including the following:
Preventing Tooth Loss
Patients with severe periodontal disease often suffer bone loss, placing their teeth at risk of loosening and falling out. To provide the teeth with more support, bone grafting material can be added to aid in bone regeneration.
Dental Implants
Bone grafting material is commonly placed into a tooth socket after extraction in preparation for a dental implant. Dental implants rely on strong bone volume and density for a successful outcome. Some dental implant patients, including those who have not yet suffered tooth loss, may also lack adequate bone mass and require bone grafting.
Recovery Period
Although a bone graft procedure can be completed under local anesthesia, our office also provides IV or oral sedatives to achieve a deeper level of comfort and relaxation. Due to the incision required to expose the bone, the affected area will likely be sore following the procedure. Ice packs and basic over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or pain relievers are enough to take care of pain during recovery.
Any post-operative discomfort should not last longer than one or two days. Bone regeneration will take place over the next several months to restore bone quality.
For any questions or concerns regarding the bone grafting process, please contact our office at 214-363-9946.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might I need a bone graft?
Most patients know the term "bone graft" and realize what it is, however they might be surprised to find out the most common use for them is dental procedures. In some cases, your bone structure may have been damaged by disease or injury to such an extent that a bone graft is needed to replace the tissue. Bone grafts play a crucial role in promoting bone regeneration, enhancing bone volume and density, and providing a stable foundation for various dental procedures, particularly dental implant placement.
What are the types of bone grafts?
While there are two main variations of bone grafts, the process is the same. The two most commonly utilized by dentistry professionals are autografts and allografts. While both are very helpful, they are chosen for different options and applications.
The autograft is a live tissue graft which is harvested directly from the patient. It is the most widely utilized graft and is typically taken from the pelvis or hip.
While the allograft is used less frequently, it is still a viable option. The bone tissue, in this case, comes from a cadaver.
Is bone grafting a painful procedure?
You will receive anesthesia so that you will be comfortable during the surgery.
Pain after receiving a bone graft can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the procedure, individual pain tolerance, and the effectiveness of pain management techniques used. Generally, mild to moderate discomfort is common after a bone graft procedure, which may include soreness, swelling, and bruising in the area where the graft was placed. Your dentist or oral surgeon will typically prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as applying ice packs and avoiding certain foods, can help alleviate pain and promote healing. If you experience severe or persistent pain after a bone graft, it's essential to contact our office for further evaluation and guidance.
How long does it take for bone grafts to heal?
Patients will need to adhere to a soft-food diet until our team indicates that it is acceptable to resume eating normal foods. The typical period to recover from a bone graft operation is between four and six weeks.
Can anyone undergo bone grafting?
In general, most individuals can undergo bone grafting procedures, but candidacy depends on various factors that need to be assessed by a dental professional or oral surgeon. These factors may include: overall health, oral health, bone quality, if you are a smoker (as it decreases healing time), and any medications you are taking. |
