Implant dentistry encompasses more than simply placing dental implants. It is not uncommon to discover that a patient’s jawbone lacks the necessary strength, and this is where Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center’s bone grafting services can help.
Our Meridian, ID, dental team is trained in the entire bone grafting process. This allows us to provide you with complete and comfortable care from start to finish, leaving you with a jawbone that is strong enough to support your new implants.
Understanding Bone Grafting
A dental bone graft is a procedure performed prior to the placement of a dental implant. It involves taking a small amount of synthetic or donor bone tissue and transplanting it to the jawbone. This creates a solid foundation for the implant to be placed on.
Bone grafting is necessary when there is insufficient bone in the jaw or if the existing bone is not strong enough to support an implant. Without a strong enough base, dental implants are at risk of failure or complications.
What Causes Bone Loss?
Teeth naturally stimulate our jawbones and keep them healthy and strong. When you lose a tooth, there is no longer a root there to stimulate the bone. This can lead to a process known as bone resorption, where the body begins to reabsorb the bone. Additionally, gum disease and infections can also lead to bone loss in the jaw.
Other potential causes of bone loss include aging, genetics, and certain medical conditions or treatments such as chemotherapy. It is important for patients to disclose any relevant medical information to our team before undergoing any dental implant procedure.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
If we recommend a bone graft before beginning your implant journey, our team of experts will walk you through the entire procedure and do everything we can to make sure you stay comfortable the whole time you’re in our office. Prior to the procedure, we will take images of your mouth and jaw to determine the best treatment plan for you, including what type of graft to use.
To start the procedure, we numb the immediate area using a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, the doctor makes a small incision in the gums to allow access to the area needing the graft. We will clean and disinfect the area and place the graft material directly onto the jawbone. Typically, we place a membrane over the graft for additional protection. Finally, the gums are closed back up with stitches.
Recovery After Bone Graft Surgery
Following the surgery, you can expect swelling and discomfort around the incision area, possibly accompanied by bruising. To alleviate these symptoms, it is recommended to apply ice packs and take over-the-counter pain relievers during the initial days. Additionally, we may prescribe an antibiotic along with detailed instructions for you to adhere to diligently. While the incision heals, it is advisable to consume soft, bland foods and maintain proper oral hygiene.
You should notice a significant improvement in the second week after the surgery, but remember that your graft is still integrating with your bone during this time. It isn’t until anywhere from two to six months after your surgery that your graft matures and fully integrates with your jawbone. You’ll have regular visits with our team to monitor your healing and determine when your bone is ready for an implant.
Experience Comfort Under Our Care
We understand that there are often apprehensions associated with any surgical procedure. The Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center team always goes above and beyond to keep our patients comfortable from the moment they walk through our door. If you have any questions or concerns about your bone graft procedure, never hesitate to talk to a team member. We’re here to help you have a positive dental implant journey, no matter what that journey looks like!
