What is Bone Grafting?

Your jawbone is the supporting structure that anchors your teeth to your jaw. When bone begins to fail, it can cause a multitude of problems. Sometimes, bone loss can cause your teeth to move or fall out. If you have had a tooth missing for a long time, then the bone can become weak because there is nothing for it to support. Bone grafting is a surgical dental procedure where bone tissue is transplanted to repair and rebuild this weakened structure. Grafting can restore the bone to create a stable foundation for implants and an oral appliance.

Why Might Bone Grafting Be Necessary?

A lost tooth or teeth and periodontal disease may be the leading cause for needing bone grafting. Your overall health relies heavily on the health of your mouth. When your oral health is suffering it can affect your well-being and lead to cardiovascular issues or other general health problems. Strong teeth need strong bones and without this, you may notice a sagging of your face. Premature lines and wrinkles are often associated with tooth loss. These dental issues can be avoided with a bone graft treatment from your Calgary NE dentist.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms You Need Bone Grafting?

Do you feel pain in your jaw? Maybe you have a history of gum disease or a jaw injury. These can all be signs of needing a bone graft. Any dental issue should be taken seriously so contact your Calgary NE dentist for aid in attaining optimal oral health.

Types of Bone Grafting

Bone tissue can come from a multitude of places. Where the tissue comes from is determined by the type of bone graft.

• Autograft – The most popular of bone grafts, the autograft is when bone is taken typically from your hip, chin, or other part of your jaw. These are considered the gold standard as they have the highest success rate of all bone grafting types. It does require additional surgery.

• Allograft – Bone is taken from a deceased human donor. It is processed and sterilized for your safety.

• Xenograft – Bone is taken from an animal and then processed to remove organic material. A mineral scaffold is left.

• Alloplast – Synthetic bone is made from materials like calcium, hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, and phosphate. This is then used to replace lost bone.

• Sinus Lift – Your sinus membrane is lifted to perform a bone graft in your upper jaw usually to create a solid foundation for a dental implant.
  
  

A stable bone graft is a top priority when it comes to which method your dentist in NE Calgary will use.

What is the Process for Bone Grafting? 

Bone grafting will always involve these four steps:

1. Step 1: Local or general anesthesia is given to you for your comfort

2. Step 2: An incision is made into your gums

3. Step 3: The graft material is placed inside the targeted area

4. Step 4: Sutures are used to close the incision and a protective membrane is put on top of the graft.
   
   

Follow-up appointments with your Calgary NE dentist are required to monitor your healing progress. A few weeks or a few months is needed to heal after this type of dental treatment and at Savanna Market Dental, we are here for you every step of the way.