A bone graft is a surgical procedure in which the bone tissue of a patient’s mouth is reinforced, usually in support of another operation such as a dental implant. In most cases, a bone graft is necessary because the patient has suffered some level of bone loss; however, it is possible that the patient’s natural jaw structure is not naturally strong enough to support implants or overall function. Dr. Salek and the A-Z Dental Care team are experts in performing these procedures whenever they are needed, but it’s important for patients to understand why this procedure is sometimes required.
Bone Loss
There are many different reasons that a patient can experience bone loss, including the following:
- Gum disease, more specifically periodontitis, is an infection of the gums that can lead to severe bone loss if left untreated.
- Aging and/or family history can play a role in bone loss as well. As we age, our bones may naturally decline over time. Genetics can also play a role in bone loss, as some patients may have a family history of early bone loss or more susceptibility to periodontitis.
- Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in underlying bone structure if left untreated.
Performing a Bone Graft
In most cases, bone grafting is done in preparation for dental implants. If implants are installed on weakened bone structure it could compromise the implant, significantly increasing the chances of complications arising as well as the need for additional treatments. Bone grafting reinforces bone tissue so that it can support implants with minimal risk of complications.
For dental implants, there usually needs to be a waiting period following bone grafting so that the new tissues have time to bond properly, thus creating a stable environment for an implant. In most cases, such an invasive procedure is also likely to require a significant recovery time as the site heals from significant localized trauma.
Contact A-Z Dental Care Now
If you are in need of a bone graft, A-Z Dental Care has the experts on hand to help you understand all of your options. Our clinic strives to ensure that all of our patients are following the best path forward for their dental health and wellbeing. For further information, reach out to us by calling us at the phone number above or make an appointment online.