Some patients who want dental implants do not have enough jawbone to support the implants. Bone grafting procedures can sometimes enhance the density and strength of the jawbone to make implants an option for these patients.
During a dental bone grafting procedure, a dentist uses bone from another part of your body or from a human or animal tissue bank to enhance your existing jawbone. In some cases, the dentist may use a synthetic bone graft material.
Bone grafting works by stimulating your body to generate bone tissue. Your dental professional may use platelet-rich plasma to promote tissue regeneration and healing.
A dental professional begins the procedure by giving the patient a local anesthetic. Next, the dentist makes a small incision in the gums and moves the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. The dentist then cleans and disinfects the surgical site and adds the bone grafting material. The dentist may cover the bone graft with a protective membrane. The dentist finishes the procedure by moving the gum tissue back into place and closing the incision with stitches.
Most patients experience minimal pain that can be managed by taking pain-relieving medication. There may be swelling and bruising that lasts a few days. Most patients can resume normal activities by the day after the surgery and symptoms usually resolve in one to two weeks. The healing process takes between three and nine months to complete. Your dental professional will check your progress and inform you when you are ready to undergo dental implant surgery.
There are several reasons a patient may need a bone graft procedure:
Bone grafting is important for dental implants because biting and chewing exert a significant amount of force on the jawbone. If your jawbone is not able to withstand this force, your implants may fail.
Dental bone grafting can restore your jaw to its condition before the bone loss occurred due to gum disease, trauma, or tooth loss. It also makes it possible for some patients who would otherwise be ineligible to receive dental implants and other restorative treatments.
Bone graft surgery carries similar risks to other types of surgery. You could develop an infection. Heavy bleeding may occur. There can be complications from anesthesia and there is potential for nerve damage. While the risk of failure is low, it is possible, particularly in patients who smoke or have underlying medical conditions.
For dental implants to succeed, the jawbone must be thick and strong enough to support them. Dental bone grafts make it possible for some patients who otherwise would not be able to get dental implants to have the surgery.
Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.
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