Bone Grafting
While it may have an intimidating name, receiving a bone graft isn’t anything to be worried about. When the procedure is necessary, a dental bone graft is an important part of receiving a successful tooth implant.
For many people, a bone graft is a necessary first step in receiving a tooth implant. Our team has years of experience performing bone grafts, and we know first hand that this minor procedure can make a big positive difference to your smile and your dental health.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a straightforward dental procedure. First, your dentist will make a small incision to reveal a tiny portion of your jawbone. Next, your dentist will graft a small amount of new bone material onto this exposed portion of your jaw.
Over time, your jawbone will begin to create new bone cells around the placed bone material. Before long, your jaw will have naturally incorporated this new material into itself for a stronger, denser bone.
Why Would You Need a Bone Graft?
The most common reason you might need a dental bone graft is if you’re interested in receiving a dental implant but don’t have enough bone density to support it. Your dentist won’t place a tooth implant if your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support it; putting a dental implant in a weak foundation will lead to loose teeth or other dental problems in the future.
You might lose jawbone density after an accident, or due to natural wear. However, it’s much more likely that you’ll lose jawbone density after losing a tooth and not replacing it.
If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, the bone underneath it will gradually begin to deteriorate. If you don’t replace this missing tooth, the bone will likely degrade to the point of needing a bone graft.
What Is the Process of Receiving a Bone Graft?
First, talk to your dentist at Arlington Dentistry by Design. Dr. Khalil will be able to tell you if you need a bone graft in the first place. If the answer is yes, we’ll continue with the process to strengthen your jaw structure.
As described earlier, the bone graft procedure requires exposing a small area of your jawbone and grafting bone material there. This process is always done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain throughout the bone graft procedure.
This bone material can come from another site in your body, a donor bone, or may be artificial bone material. Your dentist will be able to tell you more about which type of bone material will be used, and can answer any questions you may have about it.
Once the bone graft has been placed, your jaw will be given all the time it needs to fully heal before any further treatment is done. Healing time will depend on the patient, but your dentist will give you a personalized estimate.
After the graft site is fully healed and the graft itself has been accepted by your natural bone, congratulations! The bone graft process is finished, and you are ready for the tooth implant or any other dental procedure that you’ve been waiting for.
What Can I Do to Avoid Needing a Bone Graft?
Bone grafts aren’t always avoidable, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chances you’ll need one. One of the best things you can do is to make regular appointments with your dentist. Not only will your dentist at Arlington Dentistry by Design be able to help keep your teeth clean and healthy, but they will also be able to monitor any signs that your jawbone might need extra care.
Another important step to avoiding bone grafts is replacing lost teeth. If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, we recommend visiting our office and speaking to your dentist right away. Even if losing the tooth wasn’t painful, replacing that tooth quickly will keep your jaw strong and your teeth healthy.
Even if you’ve been missing a tooth for years, bone grafts make it possible to strengthen your jaw enough to receive a tooth implant. Contact us today to repair your jaw and your smile all at once!
