Bone Grafting
Strengthen Your Jaw with Advanced Bone Grafting Techniques
Why Bone Grafting Is Essential
When a tooth is lost or removed, the surrounding jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time due to the lack of stimulation from the tooth root. This loss of bone can make it challenging to place dental implants and may even affect the stability of surrounding teeth. Bone grafting is a highly effective procedure that encourages new bone growth, providing a strong foundation for dental implants and helping to preserve your facial structure.
The Bone Grafting Process
Bone grafting is a specialized procedure designed to rebuild bone in areas where it has been lost or weakened. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, our team uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure successful outcomes. During your initial consultation, our doctors will assess the condition of your jawbone using detailed 3D imaging. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend the most suitable bone grafting option to meet your needs.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
Socket Preservation:
After a tooth extraction, socket preservation helps maintain the bone structure in the empty socket. This procedure involves placing bone graft material into the socket to prevent bone loss and prepare the area for a future dental implant.
Major Bone Grafting:
In cases of significant bone loss, major bone grafting may be required. This procedure is often necessary for patients who have experienced trauma, severe infection, or have had missing teeth for an extended period without restoration. The bone graft material can be sourced from another part of the jaw, another bone in the body, or a synthetic substitute.
Sinus Lift:
A sinus lift is performed when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw to support a dental implant. This procedure involves adding bone to the area between the upper jaw and the sinuses, lifting the sinus membrane to create space for the graft.
Soft Tissue Grafting:
Gum recession, often caused by periodontal disease, can expose tooth roots and lead to further complications. Soft tissue grafting involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth (or using donor tissue) to cover the exposed roots and restore healthy gum tissue. This procedure helps prevent further gum recession and protects the underlying bone.
How Some Procedures Promote Accelerated Healing
Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP):
BMP is a protein that promotes bone growth and healing by mimicking the body’s natural bone-producing processes. By using BMP during bone grafting procedures, we can significantly reduce recovery time and improve the success of the graft.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood and is used to accelerate the healing process. By concentrating the platelets in the blood, PRP enhances clotting and the release of growth factors, leading to faster recovery and more efficient bone and tissue regeneration.
Hear From Some of Our Patients
FAQ: Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
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Yes, most people require removal due to insufficient space, which can lead to crowding, infections, and other issues.
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It's best to have them removed during the teenage years to prevent complications and make recovery easier.
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Wisdom teeth can cause crowding, infections, and even cysts or tumors if not properly managed.
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Many patients find the procedure less uncomfortable than they expected. We offer a range of sedation options to ensure your comfort during the surgery. To assist with pain after the surgery, most people are soothed by over-the-counter pain relief.
Hear From Some of Our Patients
FAQ: Common Questions About Bone Grafting
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A bone graft is often necessary before placing a dental implant because the implant needs a strong, stable foundation to be successful. If your jawbone has deteriorated or is too thin, a bone graft will rebuild the bone, providing the necessary support for the implant.
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Bone grafting is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort after the procedure is normal, but it can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find the recovery to be smooth and manageable.
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Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the graft, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days. The new bone will integrate with your existing bone over several months, creating a solid base for future dental work.
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Bone grafts can be made from your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials. The choice of graft material depends on your individual needs and the specific area being treated. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for your case during your consultation.
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In some cases, a dental implant can be placed at the same time as the bone graft. However, if the bone loss is extensive, it may be necessary to allow the graft to heal and integrate with the natural bone before placing the implant. Your surgeon will advise you on the best approach for your situation.
We're Here to Help
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment.