Maintaining good oral health is vital to your overall health. Sometimes, dental treatment is necessary to ensure your teeth and gums remain in good condition. One common procedure performed to ensure the strength of your oral health is a bone graft. For many patients, a bone graft in Albion can be the ideal solution to address jawbone loss.
Your dentist may recommend the bone grafting procedure for one of many reasons. Understanding the basics of this procedure can help you make the most informed decision about your health.
Understanding Bone Grafting
A bone graft in Albion is a surgical procedure that requires your dentist to use bone grafting material to replace or regenerate missing or damaged portions of your jawbone to improve bone density.[1] This treatment is commonly recommended to prepare for other parts of your treatment plan, like a dental implant.
Your treating dentist can use bone graft material from a human source, called allograft or an animal source called xenograft.[1]
Why Bone Grafting Surgery Is Necessary
One of the most common reasons bone grafting is needed is because missing teeth were not replaced. Without the tooth’s root to stimulate the bone, the jaw resorbs bone. You lose approximately 25% of bone within the first three months of losing a tooth and up to 50% in six months.[2] A bone graft in Albion can help replace jawbone loss and restore strength to your upper and lower jaw.
After the grafting material gets placed, it integrates with the surrounding tissue and becomes a natural part of your jaw. Bone healing can take some time, but this procedure is highly effective and increases the success rate for future dental treatments.
Conditions That Benefit From Bone Grafting
Every patient has unique circumstances, but these are some of the most common reasons your dentist might recommend a bone graft.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can cause your natural bone to deteriorate. As the disease advances, the jawbone becomes weak. Bone grafting can address this bone loss, promote tissue regeneration, and save your remaining teeth.[3]
Ridge Augmentation
After having a tooth extracted, the surrounding bone may collapse. You’ll have less bone volume, which alters the natural shape of the jaw ridge. A ridge augmentation includes a bone graft and helps rebuild the jaw ridge. This procedure provides support for dentures and bridges.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a reliable tooth replacement option. However, an implant procedure may not succeed if there isn’t enough bone to support it. A bone graft may be necessary to increase bone density and create a solid foundation for the implant.
Trauma
A dental bone graft can also treat jaw injuries caused by traumatic injuries or accidents. Some injuries cause tooth loss, but a bone graft can restore lost or damaged bone tissue.
Sinus Expansion
One of the pitfalls of losing top teeth is sinus expansion. This occurs when the sinus cavity expands. However, bone grafting can increase the bone density in these areas and prepare the site for future dental treatment.[4]
Why You Should Consider a Dental Bone Graft in Albion
Aside from preparing your mouth for dental implants, bone grafting offers several valuable benefits.
Preserving Everyday Functions
If you lost your teeth and have dentures, chewing can put pressure on the jaw bone and can take its toll on it throughout the years. Your jaw could cause you pain and difficulty speaking. Fortunately, a bone graft can restore your jaw function and reduce the discomfort you experience.
Reversing a Collapsed Facial Profile
Bone loss caused by missing teeth can change facial features. It can create a sunken look that only worsens without intervention. Bone grafting prevents or reverses this collapse, stopping your appearance from changing.
Ensuring Long-Term Dental Health
Bone grafting also stops your jawbone from losing more bone tissue. In this way, the procedure helps minimize the risk of future complications and preserves your oral health.
Treatment After Bone Grafting
Once your bone graft heals fully, you’re ready for additional treatment when necessary. For example, bone grafting restores the density of your jawbone, creating a more stable framework for your implant to integrate with, increasing its chances of lasting a long time.
Additionally, some patients undergo bone grafting to give their removable dentures a solid foundation. This stability can improve denture comfort, speaking ability, and confidence.
Restoring Your Oral Health With Bone Grafting
Bone grafting plays a crucial role in restoring oral health. If you’re ready to begin your journey to a healthier smile, the experienced team at Albion Family Dental can help. We offer a full range of effective dental procedures to support your oral health, including bone grafts. Call us at 585-589-9044 today to book your consultation.
Sources:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
[2] https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/missing-teeth-face-jawbone