Bone Grafting

Bone resorption is irreversible after tooth loss. This leaves the exposed gum area with insufficient bone volume for effective implant treatment. Bone grafting is the only way to restore dental bone loss, and it’s a common surgery for one out of every four dental implants.

There’s a strong chance you’ve heard of the term “dental implants.” Bone grafting, however, is a term that is less well-known. If you are a dental patient considering dental implants, you may need bone grafting.

You might think that you only want dental implants, and the process should not be that complex. You might wonder why you may have to think about a bone grafting procedure and gum disease. It’s natural for you to be terrified.

The phrase “bone grafting” may sound terrifying but remember that the dental professionals at Tarpon Dental will walk you through the entire process. The dental professionals at Tarpon Dental will talk about your various needs and explain how it will all work out.

Further, fortunately, there is no cause for alarm as the procedure is pain-free, and it is now a predictable dental routine. If you are looking to learn more about how our team at Tarpon Dental can help you with dental implants, missing teeth matters, oral surgery services, tooth extractions, and more, reach out to our team today.

We are pleased to help with missing tooth matters, bone tissue-related issues, tooth replacement, and overall oral health.

What is Bone Grafting?

Dental bone grafting or transplant, is a surgery that increases the quantity of bone in a portion of the jaw that has lost bone or requires additional support. A dental bone graft is often needed when a person has lost one or more adult teeth or has gum infections.

Our professionals will always recommend the best practices for your oral health, but at times, the condition may not be the best, and more work must be done. In these cases, professionals may lean into oral surgery, tissue grafting, tooth replacement, dental bridges, and other solutions that may help.

Here is what you need to know about bone grafting techniques and how dental specialists can help with bone matters.

Different Techniques of Bone Grafting

Depending on your demands, there are different bone-grafting techniques to choose from. These techniques are:

Socket graft

This is usually done immediately after the old tooth is pulled out. The graft is placed in the exposed area to avoid future bone loss, common after tooth extraction. It takes about four months for a socket graft to heal.

Block bone graft

If you had a tooth extracted or lost a tooth and were left with a gap, you would have lost bone in that area. If this is the case, a block bone graft may be a viable choice for you.

It entails sculpting a block of bone to be implanted; the bone is tailored to match the patient’s jawbone gap. Screws will secure this uniquely formed block. A block bone graft usually takes about five months to heal.

Sinus lift

Sinus lifts have grown in popularity as dental implants have. It’s a treatment for patients who have bone loss in their upper jaw. Sinuses are hollow, air-filled cavities on either side of the nose. This portion of your jaw has thinner bone than the rest of your jaw.

A sinus lift is a device that raises the sinus floor. This allows for additional bone grafts to be placed; this becomes a foundation for future implants.

How is the dental bone graft procedure done?

One of the most challenging operations that dentists perform is dental bone grafting. Fortunately, dental bone grafting has a very high success rate. However, a bone graft may fail sometimes, causing a second graft. Depending on the type of bone graft you receive, it could take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour and a half to complete the process.

The grafting procedure goes as such:

  • You will be given anesthesia before the procedure, and your vital signs will be checked. The dentist will clean the affected areas.
  • Your dentist will make an incision in the gum to separate it from the bone where the graft is placed.
  • The bone material will be placed between two portions of bone required to grow together.
  • A dissolvable adhesive substance or membrane and specific screws are used to secure the bone graft.
  • The incision is then stitched, and the healing process begins.
  • If you have further questions or concerns about gum tissue, bone tissue, natural teeth matters, or missing teeth, reach out to our specialists at Tarpon Dental today. Our dental professionals will talk to you about tissue grafting and help you set an appointment.

Aftercare tips for dental bone grafting

You will probably leave the dentist’s office with gauze wrapped around the incision in your mouth after a dental bone graft. You will be given instructions for changing the dressing every 24 hours, as well as an antibiotic prescription to help prevent infection.

You will be advised to do these:

  • Apply cold packs to help minimize discomfort and swelling for the first day or two
  • Consume soft foods for the first few days
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first night or two to help prevent blood from pooling at the incision area
  • Avoid hot drinks like coffee or soup, as well as firm or crunchy meals like nuts
  • Avoid any physical activity, such as contact sport, that may put the incision at risk

Benefits of Dental Bone Grafting

Many patients wonder why keeping their jawbones in their natural shape is crucial. The restoration of bone mass and structure protects patients against other dental disorders or diseases.

Other benefits are present below:

Support for the teeth in the affected area

Teeth may become loose if severe gum disease has resulted in bone loss. Dentists employ grafting methods to repair the surrounding bone to save them.

Providing a tooth replacement solution that lasts a lifetime

Dentists frequently use grafts to help regenerate enough bone to support implants, which require adequate bone volume and density.

Bone growth stimulation

After a tooth is pulled out, it is customary for dentists to place grafting material into the socket. Suppose a patient replaces a missing tooth with a dental implant in the future. In that case, this helps to assure excellent underlying bone support.

Restoring your smile and boosting your self-esteem

Everyone wants a bright smile, and you sure deserve it. A complete dentition can boost your self-confidence and encourage healthy self-esteem.

In Need of a Bone Graft?

We believe that the best dentist for you will explain your treatment options and help you understand all the procedures involved. This will enable you to make well-informed decisions about how to move forward with your specific issue.

Your dentist should also ensure that your treatment is as pleasant, comfortable, and hassle-free as possible. Whether you are dealing with missing teeth or have other issues, reach out to our team today. Contact us at (727) 937-4285 or email us to get started today.