Bone Grafting
BUILD BETTER SUPPORT FOR YOUR SMILE WITH BONE GRAFTING SERVICES
WHAT CAUSES BONE LOSS IN THE JAW?
Your jawbone is very important to your dental health and smile. You need a sufficient amount of bone to support your teeth and shape of your face. When bone is lost, due to gum disease, tooth loss, injury or ill-fitting dentures, a cascade of problems begins that changes your oral function and appearance. Teeth become loose, eating becomes more difficult and your facial features begin to sink. Bone tissue will not grow back on its own, but bone grafting procedures can rebuild your jaw to restore a healthy foundation for your smile.
BONE GRAFTING SAVES YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND SMILE
Gum disease is a common cause of bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. When teeth go missing, the underlying bone no longer has the pressure and daily stimulation it needs to remain healthy and sufficient. Bone loss degrades the natural contours of your jaw and chin, diminishing facial fullness and changing your appearance. Our experienced doctors at Comfort Dental use bone tissue samples to replenish lost bone and perform bone grafting procedures. We also incorporate calming sedation dentistry options to vanquish fear or anxiety for total comfort.
Bone grafting is used to rebuild your jawbone for reasons like:
- Save periodontally involved teeth
- Preserve recent extraction site
- Enable implant placement
- Restore appearance of arch
PREPARE YOUR JAW FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS
Bone grafting allows for implant placement in a number of cases. Just like natural teeth, implants need a sufficient amount of bone to be successful and perform their job. Bone grafting gives you more options for tooth replacement with dental implants and a more permanent solution for your smile. With bone grafting, you can enjoy better oral function and greater confidence in your appearance!
Keep bone loss from causing unwanted changes to your oral health and smile!
Build Better Support for Your Smile with Bone Grafting Services
A strong, healthy jawbone is essential for maintaining the structure of your face and supporting dental implants. However, bone loss due to missing teeth, trauma, or periodontal disease can weaken the jaw, making it difficult to receive implants. Bone grafting services provide an effective solution to rebuild bone density and create a solid foundation for a healthier smile.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces or augments lost bone in the jaw. It helps restore bone structure, making it possible for patients with insufficient bone density to receive dental implants or maintain overall oral health.
Types of Bone Grafts
- Autografts – Bone taken from the patient’s own body, such as the chin or hip.
- Allografts – Bone sourced from a human donor.
- Xenografts – Bone derived from an animal source, commonly bovine.
- Alloplastic Grafts – Synthetic bone graft materials.
Benefits of Bone Grafting Services
- Enables Dental Implant Placement
A healthy jawbone is crucial for supporting dental implants. Bone grafting strengthens the jaw and creates a stable foundation.
- Prevents Jawbone Deterioration
After tooth loss, the jawbone starts to shrink due to lack of stimulation. Bone grafting prevents further deterioration.
- Improves Facial Aesthetics
Bone loss can lead to a sunken facial appearance. Grafting restores volume, enhancing facial structure and confidence.
- Enhances Oral Health
Bone grafting reduces the risk of further tooth loss by maintaining a healthy jawbone structure.
- Supports Denture Stability
For patients with dentures, bone grafting improves fit and comfort by strengthening the jawbone.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
A dental specialist assesses bone loss and determines the best type of grafting material for your needs.
Step 2: Bone Graft Placement
The bone graft material is surgically placed in the deficient area under local anesthesia or sedation.
Step 3: Healing and Bone Regeneration
The healing process takes 3-6 months, during which the graft integrates with the existing bone.
Step 4: Follow-Up and Implant Placement
Once healed, the jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants or other restorations.
Cost of Bone Grafting Services
The cost of bone grafting varies based on factors like the type of graft, extent of bone loss, and provider expertise. The average cost ranges from $600 to $3,000 per graft.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Type of Graft – Autografts tend to be more expensive than allografts or synthetic materials.
- Extent of Bone Loss – Larger grafts require more materials and longer procedures.
- Location & Specialist – Prices vary depending on geographic location and the experience of the dental surgeon.
Common Concerns About Bone Grafting
- Is bone grafting painful?
Local anesthesia or sedation ensures minimal discomfort, and post-surgery pain is manageable with medication.
- How long does the healing process take?
Healing typically takes 3-6 months, but varies based on individual health and the type of graft used.
- Can bone grafting fail?
While rare, graft failure can occur due to infection or improper healing. Following post-op care instructions minimizes risks.
People Also Ask
- Can I get a dental implant without a bone graft?
It depends on your bone density. Severe bone loss may require grafting before implant placement.
- How do I know if I need a bone graft?
A dentist will assess your jawbone density using X-rays or 3D scans.
- Is a bone graft permanent?
Once fully healed, a bone graft becomes part of your natural bone, providing long-term support.
- Can bone grafting be done at the same time as tooth extraction?
Yes, in many cases, a socket preservation graft can be placed immediately after extraction.
- Does insurance cover bone grafting for dental implants?
Some insurance plans offer partial coverage, especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
- What are the risks of bone grafting?
Risks include infection, graft rejection, or slow healing, but these are rare with proper care.
- Can smokers get bone grafts?
Smoking increases the risk of failure. Quitting smoking before and after the procedure improves success rates.
- How long after a bone graft can I get dental implants?
Implants can typically be placed 3-6 months after bone grafting, depending on healing progress.
- Will I experience swelling after bone grafting?
Yes, mild swelling and discomfort are common but subside within a few days.
- Can I eat normally after a bone graft?
A soft diet is recommended during the initial healing phase to avoid disturbing the graft.
FAQs
- Who is a good candidate for bone grafting?
Patients with jawbone loss who need implants or want to restore facial structure are ideal candidates.
- What materials are used for bone grafting?
Grafts can be sourced from your own bone, donor tissue, animals, or synthetic materials.
- How do I care for my mouth after a bone graft?
Follow your dentist’s post-op instructions, avoid smoking, and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Will I need antibiotics after a bone graft?
Yes, antibiotics help prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
- Can bone grafting help with gum disease?
Yes, bone grafting can regenerate bone loss caused by periodontal disease.
- Does bone grafting require hospitalization?
No, most procedures are performed in a dental office under local anesthesia.
- Will my body reject a bone graft?
Rejection is rare, especially with autografts. Proper post-op care helps ensure success.
- How soon can I return to work after bone grafting?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on the extent of surgery.
- Can I brush my teeth after a bone graft?
Yes, but avoid the surgical area for the first few days.
- How do I choose a dentist for bone grafting?
Look for an experienced oral surgeon with positive reviews and advanced training in grafting procedures.
Conclusion
Bone grafting services provide a crucial foundation for dental implants, helping patients overcome bone loss and restore a healthy, confident smile. If you need dental implants or want to prevent further bone deterioration, consult a dental specialist today to explore your options.