Here is a comprehensive guide to dental bone grafts by top dentists near you

When bone loss has occurred in the jaw, a dental bone graft becomes necessary. Bone graft is commonly performed before the placement of dental implants. Continue reading to learn how the procedure is carried out.

What Is A Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is performed for adding volume and density to the jaw in areas where bone loss has occurred. The material for bone graft may be obtained from:

Autografts

• The bone may be taken from the patient’s jaw or hip bone. The graft in this case is referred to as autograft.

Allografts

• Allografts are purchased from a human tissue bank and consist of a bone from another person.

Xenografts

• In xenografts, the bone from another species, such as a cow, pig, or coral is used as a graft.

Alloplasts

• A synthetically prepared material such as calcium phosphate or calcium sodium phosphosilicate or Bioglass is used as a graft.

Procedure

• Loss of one or more adult teeth and severe gum disease can cause bone loss in the jaw. Therefore, bone grafting becomes necessary. Bone grafting can be done in several ways; however, the basic procedure is the same. The dental surgeon starts by administering anesthesia to the donor and recipient site. An incision is made at the recipient site in the jaw.

Bone material is then attached to the jaw using a dissolvable adhesive material or small titanium screws. These screws are removed before the dental implants. Once the bone graft is secured, the incision is sutured to allow the healing process to begin. Autografts are the most preferred approach for dental bone grafting. Autografts increase the bone support in the jaw and promote new bone formation.

Who Needs A Bone Graft?

Here are 3 reasons why you may need a dental bone graft.

Dental Implants

• The most common candidates for dental bone grafts are those who need implants in place of missing teeth. Artificial roots that are shaped like screws and placed in the jawbone are referred to as dental implants. Bone grafting is done to provide a strong base for a dental implant.

Tooth Loss Or Gum Disease

• Sometimes a dental bone graft is performed to support the jaw that has lost bone because of tooth loss or gum disease. Bone loss affects the nearby teeth and gum tissue. Bone graft stabilizes the jaw and prevents further bone loss. It also prevents the long-term health complications associated with bone loss. Failure to address the gum disease can lead to further tooth loss.

Bone Loss

• Loss of bone mass in the jaw affects the appearance of the face. It makes the face look shorter. The lips and muscles change in appearance in the absence of supporting bone structure underneath them. The skin in the jaw area also appears wrinkled.

Adults are commonly affected by bone loss in the jaw. This is because the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis increases with age. In addition, injury to the jaw, poor dental hygiene, major infections, and other such conditions may require a bone graft.

Recovery And Aftercare

• The patient will likely leave the dental clinic with gauze packed around the incision in the mouth.
• The patient is instructed to change the dressing in the next 24 hours.
• The dental surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to prevent the risk of infections.
• A prescription for pain relievers may also be given.
• To reduce the pain and swelling, an ice pack should be applied for the first two days.
• It is advisable to consume soft and bland foods for the first few days.
• To help prevent the blood from pooling at the incision site, sleep with your head elevated.

Our experienced dentists at Icon Dental Center offer the best Bone Graft Treatment. Don’t hesitate to book your appointments. Call us at 206-225-2882 for Seattle and 425-337-2400 for Everett’s appointment.