What is the Process of Bone Grafting? 

Dental implants work and survive so well because they are securely secured in the jawbone for optimal support, much like natural teeth. However, in order to take advantage of this incredible technology, you must have enough tooth-supporting bone in your jaw to keep a dental implant in place. Unfortunately, the surrounding bone nearly invariably deteriorates following tooth removal, losing width, height and density, and this process begins practically immediately after tooth loss. The bone that used to surround a lost tooth deteriorates more the longer the tooth remains gone. Thanks to dental bone grafting procedures, you may still be able to getdental implants in Canoga Park, CA.

How Bone Grafting Works

Bone grafting is a small surgical operation performed in the oral surgeon’s office to replace lost bone in the region of the jaw where teeth used to be. A tiny incision in your gum is made to expose the bone underlying it, after which grafting material is applied. The most common grafting material is processed bone, which acts like a scaffold for your body to deposit new bone cells upon. Your body will ultimately absorb the grafting material, which will then be replaced by your own new bone. Grafting materials can be obtained from a variety of places, including your own body. Frequently, however, a special laboratory processes bone from either an animal or human donor to ensure that it is completely sterile and safe for use. Even synthetic grafting material can be used. It’s available in powder, granules, putty or a gel that is injected with a syringe.

The Process of Bone Grafting

The technique for inserting a bone transplant normally only requires local anesthetic. However, oral or IV sedatives might be utilized to produce a more relaxed condition. Because a tiny incision in your gum tissue is required to reach the underlying bone that will receive the graft, you may suffer some discomfort in the region following the treatment; this can typically be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and/or pain medicines, as well as ice therapy. Though you will quickly feel entirely normal, it may take up to seven months for your body to mature enough for your dental implant to be placed. The time spent waiting permits the healing process to accomplish the intended outcome: optimal support for replacement teeth that look excellent and last a lifetime.

Bone grafting is an important piece of the puzzle when getting dental implants. It may or may not be necessary, depending upon your individual circumstances. Talk to youroral surgeon in Canoga Park, CA to learn more.