Dental Bone Graft
The jawbone is an incredibly important part of the human body, as it helps us to talk, eat, and even sing.
Unfortunately, there are a number of conditions that can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Conditions such as misalignment, developmental deformities, tumors, tooth loss and periodontal disease (gum disease) can all lead to bone loss.
When this happens, it can lead to tooth loss or facial deformity. Fortunately, there are treatments available for individuals suffering from jawbone deterioration.
If you are searching for a periodontist in Highlands Ranch or dental bone grafting in Highlands Ranch, we can help. Call (303) 683-1144 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form to begin your journey towards achieving the perfect smile.
Summary
- Bone grafting is a dental procedure used to restore the jawbone’s strength and stability, often weakened due to periodontal disease, trauma, congenital issues, or tumors.
- Highlands Ranch Periodontics offers two types of bone grafts: Autogenous Bone Grafting (using the patient’s own bone) and Allograft Bone Grafting (using donor bone).
- The bone graft procedure involves cleaning and preparing the bone site, placing the graft, securing it with a specialized membrane, and closing the incision with sutures.
- Healing after a bone graft follows distinct stages: the immediate post-operative period, soft tissue healing, initial bone healing, and bone remodeling.
- Bone grafts are safe, but potential risks include infection, pain, swelling, bleeding, and allergic reactions. These risks are minimized through advanced imaging, experienced surgeons, and personalized aftercare.
Reasons for Jawbone Loss
The health of the jawbone is an important factor in maintaining overall dental health. Age and general dental health can all play a role in determining jawbone health.
- Tooth loss is a major contributor to jawbone 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) is an infection of the gums and can lead to jawbone loss if left unchecked. This occurs when bacteria attack the roots of teeth, making them weak and eventually causing them to loosen and fall out.
- Trauma such as accidents or injuries that affect the teeth or jaw can lead to jawbone loss.
- Some people are born with congenital issues that cause their jawbones to be weak or malformed.
- Tumors in the mouth may cause damage to the jawbone, leading to jawbone loss.
Types Bone Grafts
We offer two types of bone grafts at Highlands Ranch Periodontics.
- Autograft: 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. This is a good option when there is not enough healthy bone available from the patient’s own body.
Dental Bone Graft Procedure
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 bone graft procedure is as follows:
- The surgeon makes a small incision in your gum to expose the underlying bone.
- The exposed bone area gets cleaned and prepared for grafting.
- The graft is carefully placed into the prepared site, either from a cadaver (allograft) or your own bone (autograft) taken from another site in your mouth.
- A specialized membrane helps secure the graft in place.
- The surgeon closes the incision with sutures.
- The graft will heal and fuse with the jawbone, restoring its strength and stability.
Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages
The process of healing after a dental bone graft is not only crucial for the success of the procedure but also follows distinct stages. Below are the typical stages you can expect during the healing process:
Immediate Post-Operative Period (First 24-48 hours)
- Initial clot formation occurs, sealing the surgical site.
- Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort are common but manageable with prescribed medication.
- During this stage it is important to take care of the surgical site. Avoid smoking, vigorous brushing and using straws as these can disrupt the blood clot.
Soft Tissue Healing (1-2 Weeks)
- The gum tissue begins to heal and covers the surgical site.
- Sutures either dissolve on their own or may be removed by the surgeon during a follow-up visit.
Initial Bone Healing (2-6 Weeks)
- New bone growth/cells start forming around the graft material.
- It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to support this delicate stage of bone regeneration.
Bone Remodeling (3-9 Months)
- The graft material is fully absorbed, and new bone tissue is strong and healthy.
- Your surgeon will confirm the success of the graft and discuss the next steps, which might include placing a dental implant.
Understanding these stages helps set realistic expectations and emphasizes the importance of following aftercare guidelines. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor each stage of healing closely, ensuring the best possible outcome for your dental bone graft.
Are Bone Grafts Safe?
Yes, bone grafts are a safe procedure, however, as with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of complications. Some risks include:
- Infection
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia or sutures
To minimize the risks, It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions closely and be sure to keep all of your post-operative appointments. If you experience any issues, contact your surgeon right away.
Minimizing Risks
Our practice adopts a multi-faceted approach to minimize these risks effectively:
- Advanced imaging: State-of-the-art imaging technology allows for meticulous planning and precise execution, reducing the chance of complications like nerve damage.
- Experienced surgeons: Our skilled periodontists, Dr. Mike Norouzinia and Dr. Kerri Font, are highly trained in bone grafting procedures, which allows them to effectively handle complex cases and minimize risks.
- Personalized aftercare: Post-operative care instructions are given to each patient, with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor healing and catch any potential complications early.
By combining advanced technology with skilled surgeons, we strive to ensure the safest and most effective bone grafting procedure for each patient.
Your Highlands Ranch Bone Grafting Specialists
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center, we are dedicated to helping you restore and maintain a healthy smile. Dr. Mike Norouzinia and Dr. Kerri Font specialize in bone grafting and are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care.
If you are searching for a periodontist in Highlands Ranch or dental bone grafting in Highlands Ranch, we can help. Call us at (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you restore your healthy and beautiful smile!
Bone Grafting FAQ
To help with healing, it is recommended to minimize physical activity and follow any post-operative instructions given. To ensure a successful graft, it is essential to take measures 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 in the first 24 hours, as these activities may interfere with the healing process.
For the day following your surgery, limit your physical activity. Over the coming days you can resume light to normal activities, however, we strongly recommend that you avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and excessive effort for at least two weeks as this will help ensure optimal results.
The cost of a bone graft can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of graft used, and your geographic location. It’s best to consult with our office for a specific quote tailored to your needs.
Insurance coverage for bone grafting varies by provider and plan. In many cases, if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, a portion of the cost may be covered. Always check with your insurance provider for the most accurate information.
Preparation for a bone graft generally involves a pre-operative consultation where you’ll undergo imaging tests and discuss anesthesia options. You may be advised to fast for a certain period before the surgery and to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
Recovery time can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the graft and your general health. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
Pain is generally well-managed through the use of anesthesia during the procedure and pain medication afterward. Most patients report minimal to moderate discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days.
Alternatives may include procedures like sinus lifts or ridge expansion, but the suitability of these options depends on individual cases.
In some cases, it may be possible to place a dental implant at the same time as the bone graft, known as immediate implant placement. However, this option depends on the quality and quantity of the existing bone.
Failure to get a bone graft after tooth extraction can result in bone loss, making future implant placement more challenging and potentially leading to facial structure changes.