Bone & Gum Grafting
The jawbone is an incredibly important part of the human body, as it performs many functions, including speaking and eating. Unfortunately, several conditions can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone, such as trauma, misalignment, developmental deformities, tumors, and, most commonly, tooth loss and periodontal disease (gum disease). When this happens, it can lead to tooth loss, facial deformity, or even facial collapse. Fortunately, treatments are available for those suffering from jawbone deterioration due to periodontal disease.
We want your implant surgery to be a complete success, so if your jawbone has been weakened or deteriorated due to untreated gum disease, we can use grafting techniques to rebuild the bone and gum tissue. Bone and gum grafts are two procedures commonly done at Highlands Ranch Perio to ensure a strong, stable foundation for dental implants.
If you are searching for an oral surgeon Highlands Ranch, bone grafting Highlands Ranch, or gum disease Highlands Ranch, CO, then we can help. Call us at (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form to start your journey to getting the perfect smile.
Primary Factors For Jaw Bone Loss
Age and general dental health can all play a role in determining jawbone health. But some of the main causes of bone loss are:
- Tooth loss: When a tooth is lost, the body stops sending the necessary nutrients to maintain the bone in that area, and the bone atrophies.
- Periodontal disease (gum disease): An infection of the gums can lead to jawbone loss in more advanced stages of the disease. When bacteria attack the roots of teeth, it makes them weak and eventually causes them to loosen and fall out.
- Trauma: Accidents or injuries that affect the teeth or jaw can lead to jawbone loss.
- Developmental deformities: Some people are born with congenital issues that cause their jawbones to be weak or malformed.
- Tumors: tumors in the mouth may cause damage to the jawbone, leading to jawbone loss.
Types of Bone Grafts
We offer two main types of bone grafts at Highlands Ranch Periodontics. They include:
- Autogenous: Uses healthy pieces of your own natural bone to repair the jawbone. This type of graft is most commonly used when there is a need for extra height or width on the jawbone.
- Allograft: Uses donor bone to replace lost bone. Allografts are a good option when not enough healthy bone is available from the patient’s body.
Bone Graft Procedure
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, we use the latest technology to repair the jaw bone. This can range from custom titanium membranes, mesenchymal stem cells, or bone plates. We use these materials with bone to shape/rebuild the affected area. The graft can heal and fuse with your jawbone, restoring its strength and stability. The graft may take several months to heal properly, so it is important to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Main Causes of Gum Recession
The gums may recede due to several issues, including:
- Periodontal disease ( gum disease): poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease and inflammation, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth.
- Aggressive brushing: improper brushing techniques or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause the gums to recede.
- Genetics: some people are genetically predisposed to gum recession, which means that it runs in their family and may be more likely for them.
- Smoking: weakens the gums and makes them more prone to breaking down.
Gum Graft Procedures
There are three main types of gum graft (gum surgery) procedures. Your doctor will discuss which type is best for you to restore oral health.
- Connective Tissue Grafting: The doctor will make an incision on the top of the mouth and extract connective tissue (subepithelial connective tissue) from under the flap. The harvested connective tissue will then be securely stitched to the gum around the exposed root of the tooth.
- Free Gingival Grafting: A free gingival graft transfers a piece of tissue from the palate to the gum line to increase the gum thickness, usually for those with thin gums. The tissue is taken from the surface of the palate and not any of its underlying connective tissue.
- Donor Grafting: A piece of donor graft is used in place of your palatal tissue. We place this around the exposed roots and cover it.
- Non-invasive techniques: The most common non-invasive technique people are familiar with is The Pinhole Technique. This is a Trademark technique, which we do not subscribe to. However, we use several other non-invasive techniques to achieve excellent results.
You can expect some soreness following the procedure, but this pain should be manageable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Following surgery, it’s recommended to consume soft, cold foods and to follow special brushing and flossing directions. Generally, the healing process takes about two weeks.
Are Bone and Gum Grafts Safe?
Yes, bone and gum grafts are safe procedures that successfully restore jawbone and gum tissue. However, like with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of complications. Some risks include:
- Infection
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia or sutures
It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions closely and visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. If you experience any issues, contact your doctor right away.
Your Bone and Gum Grafting Specialists
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, we are dedicated to helping you restore and maintain a healthy smile. At Highlands Ranch Perio, Dr. Mike Norouzinia specializes in bone and gum grafting and is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care. We strive to deliver exceptional results, and patient satisfaction is our main goal.
If you are searching for an oral surgeon Highlands Ranch, bone grafting Highlands Ranch, or an oral surgeon near me, we can help. Call us at (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form to set up an appointment.
We also proudly serve the communities of Wolhurst, Southglenn, Centennial, Lone Tree, Columbine, and the surrounding areas here in Colorado.
We look forward to helping you restore your smile!
Summary
- Jaw bone loss is caused by:
- Tooth loss
- Periodontal disease
- Trauma
- Developmental deformities
- Tumors
- Two main types of bone grafts:
- Autogenous
- Allograft
- Bone is taken from the chin, jaw, or hip and placed in the affected area, secured with titanium screw or plate .
- Gum recession is caused by:
- Periodontal disease
- Grinding and clenching
- Aggressive brushing
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Graft procedures:
- Connective Tissue Grafting
- Free Gingival Grafting
- Pedicle Grafting
Bone and Gum Grafting FAQ
Minimize physical activity and follow any post-operative instructions given. To ensure a successful graft, it is essential to protect it from infection. Infections are one of the primary causes of graft failure, so avoiding them should be a top priority.
After your bone graft, take it easy and allow yourself to relax. Refrain from speaking or chewing too much, as these activities may interfere with the healing process. Minor bruising, bleeding, and numbness are all part of the recovery phase and should resolve within a few days time.
For the day following your surgery, limit your physical activity and rest. Over the coming days, you can resume light to normal light activities. However, we strongly recommend avoiding heavy lifting, bending over, and excessive effort for at least two weeks, as this will help ensure optimal results.
Don’t be alarmed if the area around your soft tissue “gum” grafts seems white during the healing process – this is completely normal and should not be interpreted as an infection. As you heal, expect the affected region to turn into a healthy pink hue.
To ensure healing, restrict your diet for the first 48 hours and avoid foods that are hard and chewy and liquids like alcohol, carbonated beverages, or drinking through a straw. After this period has elapsed, you may eat soft food that requires minimal chewing effort while avoiding any contact with the surgical area for two weeks.
