Bone Graft
New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA
 Bone grafting is a minimally-invasive surgery that is done to replace missing or low-density bone in your jaw. The grafting material is taken from mineral reservoirs which can be sourced from your own body, another human’s body, an animal, or a synthetic material.
At Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Gus Dehni DMD recommends bone grafting treatment to strengthen your jaw.
Why Would You Need a Bone Graft?
When you lose your teeth, that portion of your jaw will experience necrosis and will be absorbed by the body. This happens because your jawbone does not get the necessary stimulation required to keep it strong. Over time, the bone loss will decrease the width and height of your alveolar ridge, the bony ridge that holds your teeth. A person may experience as much as 60% bone loss in their jaw after three years of tooth loss or removal.
As a result, your facial structure will collapse and you will start having eating and speaking difficulties as well as muscular dysfunction. In addition, a jaw with low-density bone may not be suitable for dental implants that can replace a lost tooth.
Fortunately, though, bone grafting procedures can solve these issues.
Bone grafting procedures are possible since our bones have regenerative abilities. As the natural bone in your jaw grows, it will replace the grafting material which will be absorbed by the body. It may take four to six months for your jaw to gain its bone volume and strength.
Once your jawbone has healed and recovered its volume and density, it may become a solid foundation for dental implants that are a long-term solution for a natural-looking and fully-functioning set of teeth.
Causes of Jaw Bone Loss
Aside from teeth loss, there are various other factors that can cause bone death in your jaw. These include:
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Advanced chronic periodontal disease
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A dental injury or trauma
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Congenital or hereditary developmental defects
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Tooth root abscess due to infection caused by plaque-producing bacteria
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Empty space left after tooth removal
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Cysts or tumors in the jaw
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Patients who used dental bridges and dentures for a long period of time |
If your jawbone has low density, it will not be able to support dental prosthetics like dental implants and The All-on-4® Treatment Concept. With the help of bone grafting, we can improve the quantity and quality of your jaw and prepare it for durable and long-lasting tooth replacement treatment.
Bone Grafting Aftercare
A bone grafting procedure is a minimally-invasive, safe, and effective dental treatment. Once we have performed the surgery, we will prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection. We may also give you OTC painkillers if you experience any pain, though most people report that they only have minimal discomfort after the surgery.
It can take anywhere between three to 12 months for your jaw to regain its bone volume, depending on its health. During this time, you will be required to come in for regular dental checkups so that we can make sure your mouth is healing well.
If you need replacement teeth, call us at 508-996-3131 to schedule a dental appointment with us. We will check whether your jaw requires a bone graft.
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