We commonly recommend dental bone grafting when you have bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth. Elevate Dental Implant Center offers bone grafting and surgical dental procedures in our Hanover dentist office under the care of our highly trained and experienced dental care team.
Dental bone grafting adds density and support to areas of the mouth that may be lacking due to damage or bone loss. Bone grafting material may be taken from your own body, from a cadaver, or synthetic. Dental bone grafts are extremely common and are very successful.
What is bone grafting?
Dental bone grafting is the placement of harvested bone or biocompatible bone tissue in areas of the jaw or upper sinuses where the bone is diminished. It is considered a relatively simple procedure performed using dental sedation.
Why do I need a bone graft for dental implants?
When bone tissue in the jaw or more specifically the alveolar ridge is diminished, there is not enough stable structure to support a new implant. Grafting new bone tissue will stimulate and support healthy bone regrowth and enable your new implant to sit securely in the jaw.
Tooth Extraction & Bone Grafting
When a tooth is removed, subsequent bone grafting may be recommended to strengthen the jaw bone in the area and support a dental implant. Performed during the same procedure, bone grafting serves to minimize the common resorption of both bone and soft tissue as a result of tooth extraction.
Rebuilding the socket with grafted bone tissue preserves the area for future placement of a dental implant. The new bone tissue will integrate with existing tissue and maintain the structure and stability of the bite.
Bone Grafting FAQs
Is bone grafting painful?
The use of dental sedation keeps patients comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Most patients will experience minor swelling afterward, often noticeable along the jawline. A soft diet and over-the-counter pain medication will minimize your discomfort and these side effects will dissipate in a few days.
How long does a bone graft procedure take?
Bone grafting is performed in our office and typically takes about an hour and a half or 90 minutes to complete. Due to the use of dental sedation, you will need to arrange for an escort to and from your appointment.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
The graft will need several weeks to a few months to completely heal and be able to support the dental implant. This is a process called osseointegration and proper healing is important for the integrity of your final result. Our office will provide personalized care instructions to help you recover as quickly as possible. If you experience any sudden pain or renewed bleeding please contact our office immediately for advice on how to proceed.
What helps bone grafts heal faster?
The best way to progress healing after a bone graft is to eat soft foods that are not particularly hot or cold. Chewing and temperature changes have a largely negative impact on the healing process, so avoiding these will help speed up healing.
How long does it take for gum to cover a bone graft?
It may take anywhere from three months to an entire year for the bone graft to fully fuse inside of your mouth. It is important to be patient and to schedule regular checkups to ensure your healing process is going as planned.
Will gums grow over bone graft?
Gums can grow back after bone grafting. Bone grafting can actually help promote bone growth after damage to your jaw bone due to gum disease.
Call our offices today if you think you could benefit from a bone graft, and we will schedule a consultation!