Our bones are often thought of as fixed materials in our bodies, but they are continuously undergoing remodeling. Remodeling is a process in which old bone is replaced with a new, stronger bone while the old bone cells are recycled. Remodeling can often cause bone damage or weakening of the bones that hold our teeth in place. Bone grafting helps strengthen these weakened areas of our bone structure.

The procedure is usually be done in a dentist’s office and consists of a small opening in the gums where grafting material is placed in the bones. The grafting material contains minerals that allow your body to produce new bone. It can come in various forms including powder, granules, and a gel. The grafting material may come from an animal, a person, or even yourself after it is cleaned and sterile in a laboratory. Following the placement of the bone graft, it is normally coated with a thin membrane that serves as a foundation for the fresh bone to be formed upon.

• Teeth Saving – Your dentist may recommend a bone graft to save and reinforce your teeth as the underlying bone weakens and the teeth become loose.
• Following Tooth Extraction – After an adult tooth is extracted, the hole is left empty. Bone grafts will help fill in this gap and reinforce the jaw. Bone grafts will also help to prevent the body from starting to resorb the surrounding bone.
• Dental Implants – A tiny titanium post is inserted into the jawbone when a dental implant is installed. This positioning can be difficult if the underlying bone has become fragile. A bone graft will stabilize the jawbone and ensure that the post and associated implant are securely placed.

Even though inserting a bone graft is a minimally invasive procedure, it still requires a small incision. There is a risk of infection once incisions are made, which is why you must leave plenty of time for healing. When you get the bone graft, the dentist will inject local anesthesia into your gums, numbing only the region that will be affected. You can expect some discomfort, inflammation, and reddening at the incision site, but this is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should go away after a few days.

Many patients with periodontal disease or other dental problems may find that bone loss complicates their situation. Bone grafting is a simple treatment that will help to rebuild bone in the jaw, allowing for a healthier appearance and better dental results. If you think that bone grafting is right for you, please contact us at Dental Designers to schedule an appointment.