Bone Graft
Mesa, AZ
Tooth loss is a common problem in the U.S. that further compromises one's dental and oral health.
Unfortunately, one of the most prevalent issues that tooth loss causes is the loss of jawbone, which can only be fixed via a bone graft.
A bone graft surgery is typically conducted if a patient plans to get dental implants or when their nearby teeth suffer from immense bone loss.
Dental implants are a popular treatment for replacing missing teeth.
This treatment involves the implantation of titanium rods into the jawbone. The bone then fuses to the implants to turn them into stable roots that provide support for replacement teeth. Dental implant materials are usually made from titanium to make them strong.
However, implants require sufficient bone mass for this fusion to occur. Without it, implants are more likely to fail.
Just because you are missing the bone mass necessary to support dental implants does not necessarily mean implants are an impossibility. At Timothy H. Kindt, DDS, we can make implants possible with bone grafting.
 What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that is designed to restore the missing bone mass in your jaw. In doing so, strong, stable dental implants can become a reality.
The success of dental implants hinges on a process known as osseointegration. This is the process in which your jawbone fuses to the titanium, helping to turn the implants into stable roots that are then used to support your new teeth.
However, for osseointegration to be successful, there needs to be sufficient bone mass remaining in the jaw. Too little bone mass can result in insufficient osseointegration and weak implants.
Implants may be loose, which can cause replacement teeth to wobble in the mouth, or they may even fall out completely.
Who Needs a Dental Bone Graft?
Bone grafts may be the best option if you want dental implants, but the jawbone isn't dense enough to sustain them.
The dentist may use a CT scan to detect your bones' shape, density, and height. This is how we'll determine whether you've lost enough bone to warrant a grafting surgery.
A bone transplant may benefit several situations where bone loss may occur. The most typical causes of bone loss are as follows:
| • |
Periodontal disease of the gums
|
| • |
Cancer
|
| • |
Gingivitis
|
| • |
Osteoporosis
|
| • |
Traumatic facial injury |
Dental bone grafts may be the answer if the jaw lacks sufficient naturally occurring bone to accommodate dental implants, regardless of the source of the bone loss.
Dentures or dental bridges are substantially less durable than properly fitted implants. These implants could last for decades if you take good care of them. As a result, many patients choose to have bone transplants to create room for dental implants.
What Types of Bone Grafts Are There?
Before undergoing a bone graft, we first evaluate your mouth. This evaluation includes a visual exam as well as digital images.
It is designed to give us the complete picture of the condition of your mouth.
After we have looked at your mouth, we will determine the best types of bone grafts for your mouth and discuss your options with you.
There are a few different types of bone grafts.
| • |
Autogenous bone grafts. An autogenous graft uses bone from your own body, usually the hip or the tibia, to restore the bone mass in your jaw. While using your bone means no risk of rejection or disease transmission, it does require two surgical sites.
|
| • |
Allogenic bone grafts. An allogenic bone graft uses bone mass from a cadaver. Before use, the bone is screened to reduce the risk of disease transmission. While only one surgical site is necessary, there is a risk for rejection.
|
| • |
Xenogenic bone grafts. A xenogenic graft uses bone mass from another species. The bone is highly processed before use to reduce the risk for disease transmission and rejection. Again, only one surgical site is required.
|
| • |
Synthetic materials. There are numerous synthetic materials that can be used to restore missing bone mass including demineralized bone matrix and bone morphogenic proteins. |
Preparing for a Bone Graft
Dr. Kindt will complete an oral examination to check out the condition of your gums, jaw, and teeth. Dental scans or x-rays will determine the degree of bone loss. Dr. Kindt will go through your treatment choices and design a customized treatment strategy to suit your requirements.
What Happens During Bone Graft Surgery?
The dentist will first use local anesthesia to numb the region.
They will next make a little incision on the gums. The jawbone may be seen by pushing back the gum tissue a little.
The dentist will apply a bone grafting substance to the region after sanitizing and cleaning it to fix the area. A membrane is often placed over the bone transplant to provide further protection. The gum tissue is subsequently realigned, and the wound is stitched up.
What to Expect After a Bone Graft and Implant Treatment
Bone grafts may be a crucial and required aspect of the implant procedure while being time-consuming. Patients may suffer ordinary pain after surgery, such as slight bruising, swelling, or bleeding of the gums or skin; however, these usual side effects rapidly disappear.
When Can I Eat Solid Food After a Bone Graft?
Additionally, there are certain dietary limitations after each step of the bone graft and implant treatment, such as limiting one's diet to soft foods as your mouth heals.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Mesa, AZ Dentist Today
Contact Timothy H. Kindt, DDS by calling us at (480) 939-5818 and schedule your bone grafting consultation today! |
