Bone Grafts
What are Bone Grafts?
Bone grafts are designed to replace missing bone in areas where it has been compromised. You might be missing bone because of age, trauma, or advanced gum disease. The bone graft uses either synthetic, allograft, or autograft bone tissue to adequately restore an area where natural bone is missing. You may need a bone graft prior to having dental implants placed.
Why are Bone Grafts needed?
A bone graft is typically necessary before a procedure that requires enough bone in an area where it is missing. Most often, bone grafts are needed prior to placing dental implants if there isn’t enough healthy bone in the area where the implant is going to be placed. If you’re missing bone, you may need to have a grafting done before being fitted for dentures or partials.
Dr. Patel does excellent work, and cares for his patients’ overall health. I was impressed by his new office, and the way in which his staff treats patients as well.
What makes you a good candidate for Bone Grafts?
The bone grafting procedure is a type of oral surgery, so you must be healthy enough to undergo surgery. Patients should be free of any medical condition that might affect the way they heal after the procedure is done. To determine if you’ll need bone grafting, you’ll need to come in for an exam and consultation. Special imaging can help us to see the health of your bone, and detemine whether or not there are areas of bone loss.
What can be expected with Bone Grafts?
Before a bone graft is done, you’ll come in for an exam, consultation, and to have several x-rays taken. You will then come back for the actual appointment, and and will begin by receiving sedation of your choice. The process involves making a small incision in the area where the bone loss is present, and placing a small piece of bone in the area. A growth factor may be used to help bond the new bone with any existing structure. The bone graft is considered successful if it fuses with the surrounding bone and creates a secure option for implants, dentures, and other restorative treatments.
If you think you might need a bone graft, and would like to learn more about this procedure, call our office and we can help with getting you scheduled for an appointment.
