If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, dental bone grafting may be recommended. This procedure is often performed as part of the dental implant process in order to ensure that there’s plenty of bone present to support the implant posts. However, this is far from the only way the treatment can have a positive impact on you and your smile. Below is a closer look at bone grafting and the benefits it has to offer.
How Does Bone Grafting Work?
Dental bone grafting involves applying graft material to the damaged or deteriorated areas of your jawbone in order to encourage the growth of new bone. The graft material will often be bone tissue taken from your own body or from a donor; that said, artificial graft material can be used in certain cases.
During the bone grafting surgery, a local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. Then a small incision is made in the gums in order to access the jawbone. The graft material is applied to the areas of the jaw that need to be rebuilt. Once the material is in place, the gums are sutured shut.
What are the Advantages of Bone Grafting?
In addition to preparing your jaw for dental implants, bone grafting allows you to enjoy the following benefits.
- It Restores the Structure of Your Face: Bone loss in the jaw can lead to facial collapse, causing you to look older than you actually are. Replacing lost bone via bone grafting can help improve your facial structure, thus enhancing your appearance.
- It Can Help Prevent Additional Bone Loss: When a tooth is lost or extracted, it can lead to bone loss in the jaw. However, having bone grafting performed can help prevent further deterioration by stimulating the production of new bone tissue. This can reduce your risk of experiencing additional oral health issues related to bone loss, such as your remaining teeth drifting out of alignment.
- It Can Strengthen Your Jaw: Over time, bone loss can significantly weaken your jaw and leave it more susceptible to injury. Bone grafting can go a long way toward strengthening your jawbone and helping you avoid unnecessary issues.
In short, there are multiple advantages of bone grafting that can make the procedure worthwhile. If you suspect that you may be in need of bone grafting after tooth loss, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with your periodontist to see what they recommend.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman is a well-regarded member of the periodontal community. He has earned Diplomate status with the American Board of Periodontology, and he holds membership with the American Academy of Periodontology as well as other organizations. He offers various advanced procedures to help his patients get their oral health back on track, including bone grafting. If you think you might benefit from a bone graft and/or a dental implant, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
