Do They Bone Graft for Teeth?

Bone grafting is a procedure commonly performed on people who have lost one or more of their adult teeth and have lost bone density in the jaw as a result. They are common procedures performed in a dentist’s office on an out-patient basis to support dental implants. Read on to learn more about what bone grafts are and why one might be needed.

Why might someone need a bone graft?

One of the most common solutions for tooth loss is dental implants. These prosthetic teeth look, function, and feel just like a natural tooth. The key to this is that they are inserted into the jawbone using a screw. Over time, this screw fuses with the jawbone forming a foundation for the prosthetic to anchor to. Because of the implant’s structure, the thickness of a jawbone is very important.

Bone grafts are often used to support dental implants. When someone loses a tooth, their jawbone begins to deteriorate. Over time, if the tooth is not replaced, the jawbone will deteriorate to the point of not being able to support a dental implant. If a jawbone has deteriorated to this point, the dentist my need to perform a bone graft for the teeth that are being replaced.

Although implants are the most common reason, not all bone grafts are performed for them, however. In some cases, a person made need a bone graft for their teeth due to other issues such as periodontal disease.

What does the procedure consist of?

A bone graft procedure is a relatively minor one, with a total recovery time of between 2 weeks and 2 months. They are performed on an out-patient basis in a dentist’s office using sedation. The procedure consists of the dentist making a small incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. Then, the dentist will graft new bone material onto the existing bone. This will eventually fuse together and build up the bone in the places where it is needed most.

Dentists can use donor bone for bone grafts from a variety of sources. In some cases, the donor bone is taken from the back of the jawbone in the patient’s mouth, usually near where the wisdom teeth are located. When this is the case, it is called a block bone graft. In other cases, a dentist will use an animal donor for the donor bone. This is often chosen if the patient wants to avoid a second incision site in the mouth. Synthetic materials are also used sometimes for the bone grafts.

What does this mean for me?

If you need a bone graft and are curious about your specific circumstances, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to tell you more about your bone grafting needs and answer any questions that you have. Even though the procedure sounds invasive, rest assured that it is a common procedure that is performed frequently. The procedure is relatively pain free and will help ensure the overall health of your mouth.

How Long is Recovery from Dental Bone Grafting?