North Shore Perio offers bone grafting for patients who have lost bone in the jaw for various reasons and may be experiencing related dental problems. Bone grafting is a common and highly effective oral surgical procedure that helps restore the jawbone, making it possible for patients to receive dental implants or address other dental issues caused by bone loss. Bone grafting is a critical step for patients who want dental implants but have insufficient bone due to tooth loss or other issues. It helps rebuild the bone structure necessary to support implants, making the procedure more successful and long-lasting.
Bone grafting does not just restore lost bone. It can also help prevent further deterioration of the jaw. Without grafting, the bone may continue to shrink, making it more difficult to address the problem later on. Bone grafting also supports the ongoing growth of healthy bone tissue to preserve and support your smile for the long term.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild and strengthen jawbone that has been lost or damaged, often as a result of tooth loss. When teeth are lost, the bone that once supported those teeth can begin to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to problems such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and, in some cases, the inability to place dental implants. Bone grafting can restore the foundation needed for placing implants or to improve the stability of your smile.
During the procedure, a periodontist or oral surgeon will transplant bone material into areas where the jawbone has been weakened. This bone material can come from several sources:
- Autograft: Bone taken from another part of your own body, often from the chin or jaw.
- Allograft: Donated bone from a human cadaver.
- Xenograft: Bone material derived from animals, usually cows.
- Alloplast: Synthetic bone material made from biocompatible materials.
The bone graft material will integrate with the existing bone, encouraging new bone growth and restoring the structure needed to support teeth or dental implants.
Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?
Bone grafting is often necessary for patients who have experienced bone loss due to:
- Tooth loss: After losing a tooth, the bone in the area starts to shrink over time, which can make it difficult to place a dental implant.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can cause the bone around the teeth to deteriorate.
- Trauma or injury: Accidents or injuries that affect the jawbone may require grafting to restore normal bone structure.
- Congenital defects: Some patients may be born with insufficient bone in the jaw.
While bone grafting is typically part of a treatment plan for restorative needs like missing teeth, it can also serve cosmetic purposes. Bone loss can lead to an aged appearance around the mouth because the area where bone is shrinking can appear sunken over time. Bone grafting can restore lost volume and help maintain a more natural appearance of the upper or lower jaw area.
What to Expect During the Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. In some cases, sedation may be used to help the patient relax. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Initial Consultation and Evaluation: Before the surgery, one of our periodontists will evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and take X-rays or 3D scans to assess the extent of bone loss. Based on this information, we will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Surgical Procedure: On the day of the surgery, the procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. Your periodontist will then make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone. The grafting material is carefully placed in the area where bone loss has occurred. In some cases, the graft may need to be secured with tiny screws or membranes. Once the graft material is in place, the gums are sutured closed.
Post-Procedure Monitoring: After the surgery, you will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some swelling, discomfort, or mild bleeding, which is normal. Our team will give you instructions for post-procedure care to help you heal.
Bone Grafting Recovery: What To Expect
For the best recovery, follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your periodontist to ensure proper healing. You may experience mild to moderate discomfort immediately after the procedure, which can typically be managed with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Swelling and bruising around the surgical site are normal and can be reduced by applying an ice pack to the area in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours.
For the first few days, avoid brushing directly over the surgical site, but maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing with salt water as needed to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Stick to soft foods—such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes—and avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that might irritate the surgical site. Be sure to follow any activity restrictions, refraining from strenuous physical activity for a few weeks.
Finally, you will have follow-up appointments with your periodontist or your regular dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure that the graft is integrating with the bone properly. Following these care guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible long-term outcome for your bone grafting procedure.