Bone Graft
Paradise Valley, AZ
 Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is done to augment or replace low-density or missing bone in your jaw. Bone grafting materials are mineral reservoirs that promote bone development and come from multiple sources, including your own body, an animal's body, or an artificial source.
At David R. Moyer, DDS, bone grafting procedures are possible since our bone has a regenerative ability if it is given space to grow. As your natural bone grows, it will replace the grafting material. which will be dissolved in the body and the result will be a fully-integrated jawbone.
When Do You Need Bone Grafts?
Bone grafting is necessary when you want to get dental implants but do not have strong and healthy bone in your jaw to support the implant. Lack of strong bone may be due to:
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A dental injury
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Periodontal disease
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Birth or development defects
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Tooth root abscess caused by bacterial infection
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Empty space after tooth removal |
Why Does Tooth Loss Result in Bone Loss?
The teeth in your mouth are fixed in tooth sockets that are located in the alveolar bone. The alveolar bone has the job of holding and supporting your teeth. Once a tooth is removed, the alveolar bone in that place loses its purpose and atrophies. Additionally, the jawbone is also strengthened every time you chew. This means that loss of the alveolar ridge also results in the loss of jawbone. Since dental implants have to fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration) to work, if there is low bone density or an absence of bone in that area, dental implant placement becomes impossible.
Types of Bone Graft
There are several different type of bone grafting procedure in dentistry and the type that Dr. Moyer and use depends on the location of the bone loss and the extent of the damage.
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Socket Graft
Socket graft is the most common type of bone grafting treatment and is used to prevent atrophy of the alveolar ridge after a tooth is lost. During this treatment, we will typically place bone from a human donor into the socket, which will bond with your bone during a course of 4 to 6 months. This graft also helps to reduce post-operative pain.
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Lateral Ridge Preservation Graft
Lateral ridge preservation grafts are used to increase the width of your jawbone so that it can easily house a dental implant. The graft material is usually obtained from a human donor.
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Block Bone Graft
Block bone graft procedures are performed when your jawbone has large defects. The procedure involves harvesting a small block of bone from the back of the jaw where the bone is typically denser. The block is then placed into the defected space with the help of titanium screws. This graft also takes about 4 to 6 months to heal.
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Sinus Lift Procedure
Sinus lift procedure is necessary when a person needs a dental implant in the upper jaw, which does not have enough bone to stabilize an implant. During this process, the sinus membrane is gently lifted away from the jaw and the space is filled with graft material, typically acquired from cow or horse bone. Because of its proximity to the sinus cavity, this procedure takes longer to heal, typically 8 to 12 months. |
Bone Grafting Aftercare
After a bone grafting procedure is completed, Dr. Moyer and will prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection. We may also give you pain medication if you experience discomfort, even though most patients remain pain-free after a bone graft procedure. Since everyone's mouth is different, it can take up to 12 months to heal, though typically your jaw is ready for dental implants in about half that time. Meanwhile, you will come in for regular checkups so that we can determine if your mouth is healing well.
Schedule an Appointment in Paradise Valley, AZ
Bone grafting procedure is a very simple and pain-free procedure and does not have any significant side effects but a whole lot of benefit. If you are in need of a dental implant around Paradise Valley, schedule an appointment with us today by calling us at 480.935.6295 and we will see whether you require a bone graft. |
