For many patients, tooth loss has also led to bone loss around the empty socket. Without a tooth root to nourish, bone tissue begins to shrink over time. Modern technology and bone grafting procedures have made it possible for patients with bone loss in the jaw to replace their missing tooth with a dental implant. Bone grafting will increase the bone in areas where an implant is to be placed.
Dr. Nova provides bone grafting in our office and will recommend this procedure when considered an important part of your overall treatment plan. The long-term success of a dental implant is largely dependent upon the health and stability of the bone in which it is placed. A bone graft will provide more tissue to support the implant. Dr. Nova uses 3-D scanning technology to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and to make an informed recommendation that supports the most successful result.
BONE GRAFTING: WHAT TO EXPECT
The bone graft procedure is completed in a single visit with Dr. Nova. There are several types of bone graft procedures depending on whether a tooth is being extracted or has been missing for some time.
DO I NEED A BONE GRAFT?
Bone grafting isn’t always necessary to get a dental implant, but many patients do require this for a successful implant procedure. We have advanced technology that allows us to get a complete overview of the condition of the bone at the implant site. We get a 3D image of the entire bone structure of your mouth so that we can determine the right treatment plan for your specific case.
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone deteriorates in that area. If you wait a long time to replace a missing tooth with an implant, the bone has been deteriorating since the moment you lost the tooth. When it degenerates far enough, it’s no longer sufficiently able to support a dental implant. Certain congenital birth conditions, severe periodontal disease, and past trauma can all make the area of bone too thin.
Certain areas in the mouth are more likely to have thinner bone density than others. It’s particularly likely that this is the case when you lose a molar in the upper jaw. Places that are near the sinuses are going to have less bone to work with. This is why the sinus lift is such a popular bone grafting procedure. The sinuses are hollows in the bone, so you have less room to work with.
HOW BONE GRAFTING WORKS
Bone grafting is considered a minor surgical procedure. Bone is taken from one of many eligible places, and we use it to build up the bone density in the area where you want the dental implant. Grafting material works by being a scaffolding that encourages the growth of new bone cells. Slowly, your body absorbs the grafting material and replaces it with your own new bone tissue. Once this process is complete, you’ll have enough bone density to place a dental implant successfully.
BONE GRAFTING FAQS
What type of bone is used for a bone graft? Bone grafts can be done with bone that has been taken from your own jaw, a tissue bank, or may be synthetic. Dr. Nova will discuss the best options for you during your initial consultation.
Is bone grafting painful?
A bone graft is similar to tooth extraction. Patients will likely experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but this will dissipate in the first day or two. We will numb the area first and ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed before we begin the grafting procedure. Dr. Nova will provide after-care instructions to minimize discomfort and support a healthy recovery.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
It typically takes 3-9 months for a bone graft to heal completely, depending on where they were placed and how much bone was grafted. However, everyone is different, and some patients may be able to move forward with implant placement sooner.
Contact Our Office
Do you think you may benefit from a bone graft? Our office can provide diagnostics and determine the state of your jawbone. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to get started.
Bone Grafting Owings Mills | Nova Dental Do you think you may benefit from a bone graft? Call Nova Dental in Owings Mills today or schedule an appointment online to get started. Nova Dental, 4 Park Center Ct #201, Owings Mills, MD 21117 • (410) 205-1127 • drnovadental.com • 9/5/2024 • Tags: dentist Owings Mills MD •
