Bone Grafting Specialist

What causes bone loss?

Severe gum disease usually causes bone loss. Poor oral hygiene increases your risk of gum disease, which occurs when the bacteria in your mouth get trapped by plaque and tartar and begin to multiply.

During the early stages of gum disease, you may notice that your gums appear red and swollen and might bleed easily. If left untreated, the bacteria causing these oral health changes grow in number and invade the tissue surrounding your teeth, including your bone.

Over time, the overgrowth of bacteria destroys your jawbone, which may result in tooth loss. Without the bone or support from your teeth, you may lose even more teeth.

What is a bone graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure in which your missing jawbone is replaced with either bone from another part of your body, such as your chin or hip, or a special bone grafting material made up of processed bone minerals.

The purpose of the bone graft is to restore your bone loss. You may benefit from a bone graft to help keep your other teeth in place or to serve as a support system for a dental implant. While dentures and bridges may restore your smile, a dental implant restores oral health by keeping your jawbone strong and your other teeth in place.

What can I expect during a bone graft?

A bone graft is an outpatient procedure performed at the office. Procedure times may vary depending on your specific needs, but may take 45 to 90 minutes.

To minimize your discomfort, your dental specialist conducts your procedure using local anesthesia. Additional sedation may also be used to help you relax.

During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in your gum and then integrates the bone grafting material into your jawbone and closes the incision. The graft itself serves as a platform for your body to regenerate new bone over the area.

What happens after a bone graft?

Prior to surgery, your dental care provider offers instructions on what to expect so you can properly prepare. After your bone graft, you may experience swelling and discomfort. You may need to make changes to your diet to prevent irritation at the incision site.

It may take several months for your new bone to grow. You will require follow-up visits so your dentist can monitor your progress and make plans for your next step in oral care.

To learn more about your dental health options from a compassionate team, call Reston Dental Center today or book an appointment online.