The jawbone is the part of the face that holds many essential elements together, such as the teeth, ligaments, and muscles; however, bone grafting may sometimes be necessary if the jawbone is too weak to perform these tasks. A person’s jawbone can deteriorate over time, whether due to age, genetics, poor oral health, cancer, or any of a variety of other reasons.
The good news is that bone grafting can restore the jawbone to functional strength and health. While the process cannot be completed in just a day or two, its results are long-lasting and can open the way for other useful treatments.
Bone grafting is the process of bulking up the jawbone so it is stronger and less brittle, narrow, or fragile than before. Not all patients will need bone grafts, but those who do should understand what goes into the process.
Most patients will go their lives without requiring a bone graft to have dental work done. However, in some cases, a bone graft is necessary for dental procedures like implant placement. A person will typically need a bone graft when their jawbone does not have enough support or material to withstand a procedure.
For instance, dental implants require that a metal post be screwed into the jawbone, onto which a false tooth can be affixed. This is a useful tooth replacement option, as the metal post replicates the biting forces of a tooth root. However, if a person’s jawbone is not strong enough to hold the post, the implant post may shift and move, leading to a failed implant. This is one case in which a bone graft could be necessary.
To perform a bone graft, the dentist will collect bone tissue from somewhere else in the body. This is often the roof of the mouth, but it can also come from the chin, the hip, or even a bank of other people’s bone tissue. Then, the dentist will place this grafted bone material onto the weakened area. Over time, the new tissue will fuse with the existing bone to become denser and stronger.
A bone graft can take a while to recover from, but it is only the first few days that pose the greatest inconvenience. Since bone grafts access the bone underneath the skin or gums, patients will need to eat a soft food or liquid diet to enable the surgical site to heal.
Afterward, they can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain relief options. Then, it is simply a matter of waiting (often for around six months) for the new bone to fuse with the existing structures.
A bone graft is an in-depth process, but it can open up many possibilities for dental implants and other restorations that may not have been possible otherwise. Our experienced team can help you recover quickly from a bone graft so you can get back to living your life to the fullest. Contact our office to ask questions about a potential bone graft, to address any of your concerns, or to schedule an appointment for evaluation.
Request an appointment here: https://corderoperiodontics.com or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at (561) 763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
If you’ve suffered the loss of many of your teeth, then you might be considering dental implants, but it’s important to think about the fact that a bone graft may be necessary to get the implants you want and deserve. Dental implants represent a permanent solution to traumatic tooth loss and are a great way…
When a tooth is lost, bone resorption occurs, necessitating a chin graft procedure from the surgeon. For many individuals, losing a tooth may not seem like a huge concern at first, particularly if the tooth is not in the front row. But even if the lost tooth does not affect the smile's appearance, there are…
Looking for quality information on bone grafting? If you are in need of one or more dental treatments that can improve the overall health of your mouth but have been informed that you do not have enough jawbone to support the treatments, then bone grafting is often recommended. While most dental patients will qualify to…
Dentists sometimes perform bone grafting surgery as the first step of a treatment plan to install dental implants. They may also perform the procedure as a way to correct bone loss caused by periodontal disease. In the case of dental implant treatments, grafting may be necessary for a patient who lacks the bone mass or…
A periodontist can help improve gum recession.
There are many reasons for having a tooth extraction.
A smile makeover provides a personalized approach to enhancing both the appearance and health of…
Sedation dentistry addresses a wide range of needs.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss, and by…
A robust oral hygiene routine serves as the foundation for a healthy smile and gum…
