If you’re experiencing severe gum disease, you may also suffer the loss of bone that helps support your teeth. Fortunately bone grafting is an amazing procedure which can help regenerate lost bone tissue and provide renewed support to your entire mouth.
Your periodontist will clean any infected gum tissue and tooth surfaces before placing the bone graft material which works to help the body build new bone. This procedure can repair periodontal damage and increase the chances of keeping more of your teeth.
You may be a candidate for a bone graft if your periodontal disease is severe enough to cause your bone tissue to degenerate. When treated, a bone graft can help you keep more of your existing teeth.
Some patients may also require a bone graft before they receive dental implants. This can be done to ensure proper osseointegration between your implants and your jaw.
If your sinuses are located in very close proximity to your jaw, it may be difficult to place your dental implants. In these instances, a sinus lift may be performed. This procedure adds extra bone to the area between your upper jaw and maxillary sinuses, moving the sinuses farther away from your jaw. After the procedure is complete, it takes several months for the bone to fully heal.
Following an extraction or tooth loss, ridge augmentation can restore the contour of your gums and jaw to a more natural-looking appearance—something that can be compromised with missing teeth. The procedure uses bone and tissue grafting to smooth out your gum line in harmony to your restoration and dental implant.
Periodontal disease can cause the surrounding bone to break down; luckily, guided tissue regeneration can help stimulate the growth of new bone.
During this procedure, the gum is opened so the area can be cleaned of all bacteria. Next, an artificial membrane is placed over the damaged bone, providing space for the bone to heal. The process can take about six months, but during that time the bone regenerates itself to support the tooth or teeth.
Do you have questions about bone grafting? We’ve got answers! Find some of the most frequently asked questions below, or contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any other inquiry you have.
The bone graft and membrane placement typically takes between 30-90 minutes. For the bone to completely fuse and heal, patients can expect the total healing time to take anywhere between three and six months.
Patients can typically eat anything soft and cold after their bone graft (like yogurt, Jell-O, etc) and can move back to their regular diet after a few days. Patients are, however, encouraged to chew on the opposite side of the graft for the first few weeks.