Many people have an inherent fear of visiting a dental clinic, often because they don’t understand a procedure well. A dental bone graft is a procedure done to enhance the bone structure in the affected part of the jaw. If you visit a dentist Wichita Falls, TX, they will explain if and why you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. For your help, here is an overview of dental bone grafting.
When is dental bone grafting necessary?
Oral health issues, including tooth loss, can impact the structure of your jawbone. With bone grafting, it is possible to restore lost bone in the affected area. The bone graft becomes a part of the jaw with time, integrating with the natural jaw structure. Your dentist may recommend bone grafting if there is evident bone loss. If you are missing a tooth and need to get a dental implant or dentures, your dentist may have to do a bone grafting surgery first. It is also an effective treatment for treating bone loss that has resulted from gum disease.
How is bone grafting done?
Your dentist will rely on 3D scanning technology to identify the areas in your jawbone that need attention. If you decide to get a dental implant immediately after suffering tooth loss, you may not need a bone graft. A dental bone graft could be created from graft materials from other body parts or may rely on animal tissues. In some cases, alloplastic graft or allografts is also used. To aid the healing process, your dentist may combine the procedure with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. In PRP therapy, plasma is obtained from your blood.
What follows the bone graft procedure?
Typically, your dentist will recommend bone grafting when you need further treatment. Dental implants, for instance, are placed in the socket of your missing tooth, but if there is not enough bone, the dentist will have to complete the bone graft procedure surgery first. A bone graft also offers a solid base for dentures and can improve bone health.
Does it hurt to get a dental bone graft?
No. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to complete the procedure, and until the effects of anesthesia wear off, you wouldn’t feel much pain. If the dental bone graft material is taken from your own body (allografts), you may need more time to heal. The pain is usually manageable with OTC medications.
Talk to your dentist about dental bone grafting today.
