What Is Bone Grafting?

Dental bone grafting is a procedure we use to replace eroding alveolar bone. This is the bone that forms the tooth sockets. Support and protection are two of its primary function. Erosion of alveolar bone has many causes. Periodontal disease, an infection that causes the gums to deteriorate, is one of them. It can wreak havoc on the jawbone and even destroy it. Dental caries (tooth decay), cavities, and infection are other factors. So too is physical trauma, which includes brushing your teeth too hard. Irreparable tooth development defects can also destroy the bone socket.

Implant surgery is a dental procedure that also uses bone grafts. It involves the use of artificial teeth to replace missing or damaged ones. For it to work, your jawbone must be strong enough to hold the metal, screw-like posts. These posts are the foundation for the implant and function like the root of the tooth.

If your jawbone is thin or too soft, the post will wobble and may pop out. We use bone grafts in this procedure to help improve jawbone strength. Studies show it to be as strong as or stronger than the natural teeth it is replacing.

What Is A Bone Graft Made Out Of?

A bone graft consists of small fragmented bone taken from bone somewhere else in your body. Artificial, synthetic, or natural substances are also alternative sources that we can use to make the graft. We place the graft in the gaps left behind by the erosion of the bone socket. It functions as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone. Also, it enhances bony and soft tissue healing.

Your natural bone replaces the graft version as it grows back. It takes up to several months for the grafted material to fuse with your gum. Dental implant surgery using bone grafts takes a long time. We must wait about four to nine months between the graft and the final implant. We use this period to ensure that new bone is strong enough to act as an anchor.

Before we start any treatment, we complete a thorough examination of the affected tooth and those nearby. This includes taking x-rays called radiographs. We use them to help us assess internal trauma that’s invisible to the naked eye. These also help us to weigh the best course of action.

Our dental specialists also take note of your personal medical and dental history as it can impact the success of your procedure. Bone grafts can help you feel like you again and put a smile back on your face. Call Dallas Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 972-733-0414 today to find out if it’s the procedure you need.