Stronger Jawbones For Oral Health & Implant Success
A strong and healthy jawbone is essential for maintaining good oral health, a youthful appearance, and supporting the success of dental implants. However, jawbone loss can occur as a result of tooth loss, periodontal disease, or other factors. Fortunately, bone grafting can help to restore jawbone structure and density, providing a strong foundation for dental implants and improving overall oral health.
The leading Bridgeville dentists at DiBartola Dental are proud to offer bone grafts to help patients achieve the strong and healthy jawbones they need for optimal oral health.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a painless oral surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue to the jawbone in order to rebuild bone structure and density. During a bone graft procedure, bone tissue can be taken from the patient’s own body, a donor, or a synthetic source, and then carefully placed in the area of the jawbone that requires additional support. This can help rebuild your jawbone and prepare you for the necessary dental treatments.
The Benefits of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting offers many benefits for patients who are experiencing jawbone loss, including:
- Restoring the structure and density of the jawbone
- Improving the stability of existing teeth
- Providing a strong foundation for dental implants
- Enhancing overall oral health and preventing future bone loss
- Supporting your facial muscles, helping to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
The Different Types of Bone Grafts
There are several types of bone grafting materials that can be used in a bone grafting procedure, including:
- Autogenous Grafts: Bone tissue taken from the patient’s own body, often from the hip or another area of the jawbone
- Allogenic Grafts: Bone tissue taken from a donor source, usually from a cadaver
- Xenografts: Bone tissue taken from an animal source
- Synthetic Grafts: Bone tissue that is created in a lab using synthetic materials
The type of bone grafting material used will depend on the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
The Bone Grafting Process
Bone grafts are typically performed in multiple stages. Here’s what you can usually expect:
Consultation
During the initial consultation, your Bridgeville dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine whether a bone graft is the right option for you. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions you may have. For patients who are feeling nervous, due for a long procedure, or resistant to local anesthetic, we can offer sedation dentistry to make you feel more at ease.
Preparation
If you’ve been approved for bone grafting, your Bridgeville dentist will apply a local anesthetic and your sedative of choice. Then, they’ll carefully prepare the area of the jawbone that will receive the graft. This includes making small incisions into the gums where the bone material will be placed.
Bone Grafting
The bone graft material will then be placed in the area of the jawbone that requires additional support, and the site will be secured with sutures. The sutures will then be covered with a protective dressing to promote healing and protect the site from infection.
Aftercare
Following the bone grafting procedure, your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Common guidelines to follow for smooth healing include:
- Take any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
- Avoid drinking through a straw and eating hard or chewy foods for a few days after the procedure to minimize the risk of complications like irritation.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products as these can impede healing and potentially cause the graft to fail.
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, during the recovery period to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and ensure proper integration of the bone graft with your natural jawbone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Generally, it can take several months for the new bone tissue to fully integrate with the existing jawbone. However, the healing time for a bone graft can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, the type of grafting material used, and how well you follow the aftercare instructions. Ask your dentist for a treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Is bone grafting painful?
Not at all! Most patients experience mild soreness after a bone grafting procedure, but this will fade within a few days. Your dentist will provide you with pain medication and other strategies to manage any discomfort and promote healing.
Can anyone get a bone graft?
No, not everyone should get a bone graft. Bone grafting is a safe and effective procedure for many patients who are experiencing jawbone loss. However, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure, and your dentist will evaluate your individual needs and review your medical history before deciding to go forward with bone grafting.
Is bone grafting covered by insurance?
It depends. Insurance coverage for the cost of bone grafting can vary depending on the individual policy and the reason for the procedure. Your dentist can help you determine if your insurance will cover the cost of your procedure.
Set Yourself Up For Implant Success With Bone Grafts!
If you’re considering dental implants, or if you have experienced bone loss in your jaw, bone grafting may be a solution for you. At DiBartola Dental, our dentists and our dental team are here to provide bone grafts that can boost your oral health and increase your chances of implant success.
You can reach us at (412) 221-9440 or fill out our online contact form, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We serve new and returning patients from Bridgeville and surrounding areas such as Scott Township, Carnegie, PA Heidelberg, & Upper Saint Clair, PA.