A Step by Step Guide to the Dental Bone Graft Procedure

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that is performed to repair or bulk up bone tissues in the mouth. Why might a person need to bulk up the bone tissue in their mouth? Dental prosthetics such as implants need to be anchored down in bone tissue. Not having enough bone tissue to hold these prosthetics in place often disqualifies a person from getting them.

A person's jawbone density also affects their facial appearance. Diminished bone tissue often leads to the formation of wrinkles and a sunken look.

Why a dental bone graft might be needed

When a person loses a tooth, the bone structures that supported the tooth begin to disintegrate. This is due to the bone tissue no longer being stimulated by the tooth. It is similar to the way muscles begin to disintegrate when they are no longer being used.

This loss of bone tissue leads to the person's facial structures sagging and shifting. It can also lead to other issues, such as the inability to chew properly, mouth pain or the inability to speak clearly.

Bone grafts can be used to build up the bone structures of those who have already lost a considerable amount of bone tissue. Doing so can improve the person's appearance, and it may also make them eligible for prosthetics such as implants, which can be used to replace the person's missing teeth and to preserve their bone structures.

What goes on during a dental bone graft?

Here is what patients should expect when getting a bone graft:

The process typically starts with the dentist discussing the patient's medical history. An examination will also be performed to determine the patient's jawbone density. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays might be used for this purpose.

The dentist will then explain the different types of bone grafts to the patient. The procedure can be done using bone tissues from other parts of the patient's body, animal bone tissues and synthetic bone tissues. The choice the dentist makes typically depends on the patient's health and how much bone tissue is needed.

The first part of the procedure consists of extracting healthy bone tissue from the patient's body or preparing external sources of tissue. If the tissue is being removed from the patient's body, an anesthetic will be used.

Bone tissue is then added to the areas that are deficient. They are then given time to properly fuse with surrounding bone tissue. This process can take up to three months. The patient will need to wait for the area to heal before getting any other treatments. Once the bone tissue is fused, the patient becomes eligible for oral prosthetics such as implants and implant-supported dentures.

Need a dental bone graft?

Stop by our New York clinic for an evaluation today. We will help you select the right type of bone grafts and walk you through the entire procedure.

Here's how you reach us…

Request an appointment here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com or call New York Dental Office at (212) 548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.

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