Did your oral surgeon in Dallas recently recommend you undergo bone grafting? It’s more common than you might believe. The surgical procedure takes bone from a donor or another location in your body and grafts it to an area of your jaw that has low density. Although you might be a bit caught off guard by your oral surgeon’s suggestion, here are the top reasons for needing bone grafting.
Do I Need Bone Grafting?
A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure that adds a special material to an area of your jaw that’s been compromised. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose your jawbone and the material is placed onto it. Over the next several months, the graft integrates with your bone to enhance its density. You may need the procedure if:
You’ve Had a Tooth Extraction
Your teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, but there are some instances when an extraction might be necessary, such as if a tooth is badly damaged. If you need to have a tooth removed, your oral surgeon may recommend a socket graft to prevent bone loss in the area. The graft material is inserted into the socket after the tooth has been removed.
Once your tooth has been extracted, your socket won’t be stimulated by the root, so it will slowly deteriorate. Placing the graft at the same time as the extraction reduces the amount of bone that’s lost. Although the difference may only be a couple of millimeters, it makes a huge difference in your tooth replacement options, like getting dental implants.
Not all patients who have a tooth removed will need bone grafting. Instead, it’s recommended for patients who have had serious periodontal disease or already lost a large amount of bone from the alveolar ridge before the extraction.
You Want Dental Implants
The long-term success of dental implants relies on your jawbone fusing to them through a process called osseointegration. Unfortunately, if you have low density in your jaw, your bone won’t be able to support them. As a result, your oral surgeon will recommend bone grafting. Although it will add another step in your treatment plan, it’s time well spent to ensure the success of your new smile. On average, you can expect it to take 3 to 6 months to heal from the grafting procedure before you can undergo your placement surgery.
Enhance Your Jawbone Today!
If you need a bone graft in Dallas, don’t choose just anyone. Look for a qualified and experienced oral surgeon to handle your procedure.
About Dr. Cameron Wendling
Dr. Cameron Wendling has nearly a decade of dental and surgical experience. He strives to make his patients’ lives better through healthy, beautiful smiles. He has the experience and qualifications necessary to treat advanced oral health needs, like bone loss. If you need bone grafting, you can rest assured your smile is in good hands with Dr. Wendling. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.