Bone Grafting Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda performs bone grafting procedures on individuals who have sustained bone loss to the jawbone. If you want a dental implant, this treatment is necessary to ensure the implant can be affixed securely to provide a stable tooth restoration.What is a Bone Graft?A bone graft is very common in the field of dentistry. It is a surgical procedure where bone grafting material is used to add height or width to the jawbone which allows for placement of a dental implant. What Is the Procedure for a Bone Graft?Surgery is carried out under a local anesthetic, or conscious sedation. The time it takes to complete the surgery will depend upon how big the graft is. The grafting material may be taken from your own body or an animal, but often hydroxyapatite which is a biocompatible synthetic material is used with excellent results. Why Do I Have Bone Loss?Bone loss in the jaw is typically caused by tooth loss or periodontal disease. When a tooth is lost through trauma or accident the bone around the tooth socket begins to resorb as part of the healing process. Unfortunately, this could amount to a 25 percent reduction in bone density within a year. As well as enabling us to chew food and talk, teeth also play a vital function in bone health. The forces exerted on the tooth roots from biting and chewing stimulate the jawbone to produce new cells, keeping it healthy. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. Gum disease damages the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. While it is curable, if treatment is not commenced during this stage the disease progresses to a state at which the bone supporting the teeth is compromised, eventually leading to tooth loss. Is Bone Loss Preventable?Accidents happen and it is not always possible to avoid damaging your teeth in everyday situations. However, there are some things you can avoid, such as subjecting your teeth to excessive forces; one example is using them to open a bottle top. If you engage in contact sports or activities where your teeth could be damaged, a mouthguard would be of benefit in protecting your teeth. Preventing disease is one of the cornerstones of modern dentistry. Ensuring you have a good twice-daily cleaning and flossing routine will go a long way to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, particularly if you also have regular check-ups with a dental health professional. Recovery After a Bone GraftIt may take several weeks following surgery before you are fully recovered. Bruising and swelling are common, but you can reduce swelling considerably by placing ice packs on your face over the surgical site. Sleeping in an upright position will also help to prevent blood pooling at the graft site and minimize swelling. It is best to take things slowly for a few weeks, avoiding strenuous physical activity and sticking to a soft diet until your mouth has begun to heal. It will be a minimum of three months before there is sufficient new bone in the jaw to consider implant surgery. We can help answer any of the questions you have. Call us at (737) 335-0017 if you would like to know more about bone grafting at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda. |
