Healthy teeth are essential for a healthy jaw bone. When teeth become damaged, fall out, or require removal and are not replaced with an appropriate restoration, the health of the jaw bone suffers. The tooth root plays a vital role in stimulating healthy bone growth. When it is not present, the bone around the missing tooth begins to deteriorate and can negatively impact the healthy surrounding teeth. Dental crowding, tooth loosening, and even complete tooth loss can occur when the jaw bone is unhealthy.
Advances in oral surgery techniques now allow us to mitigate this issue by placing a bone graft in the affected area of the jaw. Bone grafting is a great option for patients who wish to restore their teeth with dental implants but do not have enough bone to place the implant post securely. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, we specialize in the placement of dental implants and are skilled in bone grafting techniques to prepare the mouth for successful restoration. During an initial consultation, Dr. Robert Bryan and Dr. Jeremy Goodson will assess the quality of the jaw bone and make recommendations for treatment.
Types of Bone Grafting Treatments
At our office in Oklahoma City, we understand that every patient is different and deserves a personalized approach to treatment. That is why we offer a wide variety of bone grafting options to suit every patient’s unique restorative needs. The number of teeth we are restoring, the location of the surgery, and the current health of the bone are all factors to be considered when making the appropriate bone grafting recommendation. We have listed a few of the more commonly performed bone grafting procedures below.
Socket Preservation
Many patients undergoing a single tooth extraction will also receive a socket preservation bone graft to prepare the site for a future implant. The grafting material fills the empty socket and prevents future bone loss while the area of extraction heals. Once ready, this new bone will provide a solid basis for implant placement.
Sinus Lift
We will perform a sinus lift procedure when we are restoring the teeth at the very back of the upper jaw. The bone in this area separates the mouth from the sinuses and is typically very thin. During this treatment, we carefully lift the sinus floor and place a bone graft in the newly created space, giving the implant post a sturdy foundation of bone for integration.
Major Bone Grafting
Major bone grafting is often performed to address an area with a significant amount of bone loss. Trauma incidents, birth defects, cysts or tumors in the jaw, severe infections, or the loss of many teeth without restoration can all contribute to this level of bone loss. The bone used in this graft may be taken from another area of the jaw, another bone in the body, or may be a bone graft substitute material. Each patient’s unique situation will dictate the treatment plan for major bone grafting procedures.
Bone Grafting in Oklahoma City, OK
Whether you are missing teeth or having a tooth removed, bone grafting is a fantastic option for preparing the mouth for future restoration. During your initial consultation with Dr. Bryan or Dr. Goodson, we will assess the health of your jaw bone and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. We look forward to restoring your oral health and smile at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma.
