Patients may need bone or tissue grafting to improve oral health overall or specifically before certain treatments can be provided. Bone grafting procedures help improve stability and functionality and can ensure that facial shape and aesthetics are preserved. These procedures restore jaw bone strength and reverse recession. If your smile is evaluated and it’s determined that a bone graft should be applied, we provide this service in-house.
We encourage patients with missing teeth or a history of oral health issues to learn more about how bone grafting can positively affect their smiles.
Why is bone grafting necessary?
Bone grafts are used to heal and bolster areas of your jaw that have been impacted by oral health problems.
When teeth are extracted or lost, the jaw resorbs bone in the area vacated by the tooth. Without teeth there to stimulate bone density, and when the areas of the jaw have nothing to support, tissue begins to deplete. Within a single year of missing a tooth, as much as 25 percent of the bone in that area can be lost. A bone graft replaces lost bone volume and provides sustained strength to the upper or lower arch – wherever you have teeth that have been lost or extracted.
Over time, the graft merges and grows into surrounding tissue, becoming a natural part of your smile. Bone grafts can take a while to heal and integrate; however grafting is highly successful and an important part of ensuring that later treatments provide lasting results. A graft also helps prevent additional bone resorption until treatment is complete.
How do I know if I need a bone graft?
Dr. Frost recommends bone grafting techniques after tooth extraction or before implant placement. During planning stages, Dr. Frost determines which areas require treatment with a thorough oral exam. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, Dr. Frost is able to pinpoint areas where bone has depleted and needs to be restored before additional treatment can be provided. If you have had a missing tooth for a year or more, there is a good chance a graft is necessary.
Ask our dental office about treatment planning and your desired procedure to learn more about what pre-treatments may be necessary.
Dental restorations after grafting
When patients have healed completely, they are ready for further treatment. Dental implants can be placed into ample new bone, which provides the support for successful integration and lasting stability. Patients, who are interested in removable dentures, can also benefit from grafting procedures to ensure dentures have a stable foundation on which to rest, for improved comfort. Bone health should be a priority for all individuals who want to have durable dental restorations for a lifetime.
Questions about bone grafts? Ask Dr. Lee T. Frost!
With modern dental technology and years of experience, Dr. Frost is equipped to provide bone grafting from his dental office and can later place your implants in-office as well. Please contact our office at 201-438-8870 for more information about how we can help.
