Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about missing teeth or struggling with ill-fitting dental restorations? Dental bone grafting could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.Â
Bone grafting is a supplemental procedure for patients looking to restore their smiles with implants. At Davie Advanced Dentistry, Davie implant dentists, Drs. Eli and Bill Abbo are two of the best dentists for all your dental implant needs. Learn why patients in Cooper City, Plantation, and Fort Lauderdale trust Dr. Abbo with their smiles.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue to repair or regenerate damaged or missing bone. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone can start to deteriorate, compromising the stability of neighboring teeth and making it challenging to receive dental implants. Dental bone grafting addresses this issue, restoring bone density and providing a stable base for dental restorations.
Bone grafting becomes necessary in various situations to restore the health and function of the jawbone. Some common reasons include:
Dental bone grafting is a transformative procedure that offers numerous benefits, enhancing both your smile and overall oral health, including:
During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, assess bone density through X-rays or CT scans, and determine the extent of bone grafting required. This step ensures that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The next step involves selecting the appropriate bone graft material. This can include autografts, which use bone from your own body, allografts, which use donated bone from a tissue bank, or xenografts, which use bone from an animal source. The chosen material will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
On the day of the procedure, the selected bone graft material is placed at the site requiring augmentation. The graft acts as a scaffold, encouraging the growth of new bone tissue and facilitating the integration of the graft with the existing bone.
Over the following months, the bone graft material integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this period, it fuses with your natural bone, creating a stable and robust foundation for dental restorations.
Once the graft has fully integrated, your dentist can proceed with the placement of dental restorations, such as dental implants, crowns, or bridges. These restorations are custom-designed to fit seamlessly with your natural teeth, creating a beautiful and functional smile.
Following dental bone grafting, proper post-operative care is essential to ensure successful healing and optimal results. Here are some post-op care guidelines:
The discomfort can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. After the surgery, some pain, swelling, and mild discomfort are common, but your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage it.Â
The recovery time for bone grafting can also vary depending on the type of graft and the specific procedure. It can take several weeks to a few months for the bone graft to fully integrate with your existing bone. During this period, you may need to be cautious with what you eat, avoid putting excessive pressure on the treated area, and maintain good oral hygiene.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with bone grafting. Potential risks may include infection, bleeding, graft failure, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure, and they will take appropriate measures to minimize the chances of complications.
Whether dental insurance covers bone grafting depends on your specific dental insurance plan. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost if bone grafting is considered medically necessary, such as preparing the jawbone for dental implants. Your dental provider can also help you navigate the insurance process and provide information about the cost and coverage for bone grafting.
By promoting the growth of new bone tissue, bone grafting can increase the chances of a successful dental implant procedure and provide long-lasting benefits for your oral health. If you’re considering dental implants and need bone grafting, call our Davie, FL, office at (954) 434-3331 or fill out our online contact form to book your consultation. Dr. Abbo is here to help you learn more about this transformative procedure and whether it may be right for you.