Do They Perform Bone Grafts for Teeth?

Bone grafting might sound a little intimidating, but it’s a common procedure performed on millions of people every year. It’s often done when someone has lost a tooth, and the jawbone near it has started to deteriorate. Bone grafts aim to restore the bone so it can support a dental implant or improve a person’s overall oral health. If you are one of the millions of people who need a bone graft procedure, read on to learn more about it.

Why would someone need a bone graft?

Losing a tooth is an important health issue that must be addressed right away. When someone loses a tooth, it affects the health of their jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone underneath is not stimulated anymore when chewing and speaking and over time starts to deteriorate. Left untreated for too long it can become a big problem, especially if the person is looking to get a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. Implants need a strong and thick jawbone because they are anchored into it using a titanium screw. If the bone isn’t solid enough, the implant won’t hold.

This is where bone grafting comes in. Through bone grafting, a dentist can add extra bone material to rebuild the jaw. This makes it strong enough for an implant. But implants aren’t the only reason for a bone graft. Sometimes, conditions like gum disease can lead to bone loss, and a graft might be needed to help restore it and support the existing teeth in a person’s mouth.

What happens during a bone graft procedure?

Bone grafting is a straightforward, outpatient procedure. You’ll likely be sedated, so you’ll be comfortable the whole time. Here’s how it works:

- If the dentist is harvesting donor bone from the person’s mouth, that donor material will be removed first.

- Then, the dentist will make a small cut in the gums to access the jawbone.

- Finally, they place the grafting material in the areas where the bone needs to be built up. Over time, this graft material fuses with the person’s natural bone, making it stronger and thicker.

Where does graft material come from?

A dentist can use donor bone from a few places:

- Your Own Bone: Sometimes, the dentist will take bone from another part of your jaw. This is usually near the wisdom teeth.

- Donor Bone: In other cases, the dentist might use bone from another human donor.

- Animal Bone: Sometimes the patient or dentist may choose to use animal bone. This is often chosen if the person wants to avoid the added invasiveness of a second procedure site where the donor bone is harvested.

- Synthetic Materials: Some people opt for the use of synthetic bone material to avoid using donor bone at all.

Each type has its pros and cons, and your dentist will help you decide what’s best for you.

What does this mean for you?

If your dentist says you need a bone graft, you’re probably wondering what to expect. The truth is, while the idea might sound intense, the procedure is routine and low risk. Most people recover in a few weeks to a couple of months, and any discomfort is usually mild and manageable. If you’re still unsure about the procedure, speak with your dentist today to learn more.

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