What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a periodontal procedure used to restore bone tissue to its healthy, near-original condition. When you have healthy teeth and gums, your jaw bone remains strong and supportive. However, if you lose one or several permanent teeth, your bone deteriorates and recedes over time. This negatively affects the health of your surrounding teeth and may cause them to become loose, decay, or fall out.
If you’ve lost a significant amount of bone tissue, bone grafting can provide a base for dental implants. Dental implants are small metal posts that serve as replacement tooth roots. Aside from restoring your confidence and self-esteem, they make daily tasks like biting and chewing easier.
What happens during a bone grafting procedure?
At the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart, their periodontists perform bone grafting in-office as an outpatient procedure. Before your operation, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums and remaining tooth roots.
Once the anesthesia sets in, your periodontist makes an incision above the bone deficient area in your jaw and carefully lifts your gum tissue. They place bone regenerative materials which are specifically selected for your personal needs.
Your periodontist then covers the bone with a special membrane that encourages growth, pulls your gum tissue over the graft, and stitches it closed. You return home, and the treated site heals and generates new bone tissue over the course of several months.
What is bone grafting material made of?
Bone grafting material comes from natural sources, such as donated human or bovine tissues. These materials are safe, well-tolerated, and have a proven track record of success. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask questions during your initial consultation.
What is the recovery process like after a bone grafting procedure?
After a bone grafting procedure, it's normal to experience pain, swelling, and general discomfort for several days. Depending on the size of your graft and its location, you might even experience uncomfortable symptoms for up to a week. To speed up the healing process, follow Dr. Jacobs or. Bogart's recovery instructions carefully. Get plenty of rest and take your medications as prescribed. You can return to work and other light activities within a day of your operation.
To learn more about the benefits of bone grafting, schedule an appointment at the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart. Call the office to speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
