What You Should Know About Bone Grafting

Our smiles play a big part in our self-confidence, first impressions and even our overall health. With that being said, no one wants missing teeth! This does happen, however, with age we can begin to see tooth loss or maybe an unfortunate accident sends us to the dentist. Whatever that case may be, bone grafting is an essential procedure to prepare our mouth for necessary implants or procedures.

Why Bone Grafts?

In essence, there are different degrees and sizes of bone grafting surgeries. A small fracture can lead to needing a single bone graft, tooth loss over the course of many years could call for a medium bone graft, and patients that have significant bone loss may need a larger area or big bone graft. Each and every size surgery is to make sure that bridges and tooth implant will be possible. With bone loss, it is inevitable that the existing bone surrounding the original tooth begins to erode and leave a shallow hole below the gum line, making it impossible to insert regular sized dental implants. While this all seems extensive, dental bone grafts make new teeth possible.

Bone Grafting Procedure

Ideally, an experienced oral surgeon will remove the damaged tooth and save parts of it to begin the grafting procedure. The little bone graft will begin with small bone granules packed into the tooth site, topped off with a collagen membrane and stitches to close the area. This procedure remains the same for medium bone grafts as a surgeon uses your own bone (usually taken from the jaw bone near the rear molars), mix it with demineralized bone and protect the graft with collagen and stitches. Over time the procedure leaves to your own bone to integrate with the graft, allowing for implants, bridges, and ultimately a whole new smile.