Your teeth are surrounded by bone, known as the alveolar bone, that holds them firmly in place, providing support and stabilization. However, gum diseases, tooth extraction, and trauma can compromise the height, shape, and density of the alveolar bone.

The Oakland dentist and their skilled team of specialists offer several jawbone regeneration procedures in areas of deficient bone. Bone grafting is one such innovative procedure that helps revitalize your jawbone in the most effective and simplest way possible. 

An introduction to dental bone grafting

Bone grafting is a minimally invasive dental procedure that involves building up lost volume and density in your jawbone.  A bone graft is a material that helps to strengthen the debilitated or lost alveolar bone. It effectively counteracts the natural jawbone resorption post-tooth extraction, thereby preserving both your facial profile and overall oral function, and appearance. 

The types of bone grafts used in dentistry

Your dentists can help you determine the right type of bone grafts from a variety of grafts available. These include: 

• Autogenous bone graft

  • This is harvested from your own body and produces the most favorable results. 

• Allograft bone graft

  • This is extracted from a donor (cadaver) or fabricated (synthetic).

• Xenograft

  • Cow bone is used in this type of graft.

Indications of bone grafting 

The success of the implant often depends on the height, width, and depth of the jawbone.  When there is a significant bone loss in your jaw it may not be able to support and stabilize the tooth. Any damage or receding of the jawbone results in an unstable foundation for dental implants. Thus, bone grafting is usually indicated before the placement of a dental implant.

Bone grafting procedure 

Here is a comprehensive guide to bone grafting in dentistry: 

• Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the bone defect. 
• They will begin the procedure with a small cut or incision in the gums to raise the flap and expose the bone.
• An appropriate bone graft will be placed between two sections of the bone that need to grow together. 
• The bone graft will be secured using special screws or adhesive material. 
• A synthetic membrane may be used to cover the new bone.
• The incision will be closed by suturing the tissues. 
• You will be provided with comprehensive post-procedure instructions for proper healing.
• Your dentist will prescribe medications to help manage infection, discomfort, and swelling.

Bone grafting can significantly stimulate your jawbone to provide adequate support and anchorage for dental restorations like implants or dentures. This can greatly regain your oral function and appearance, thereby boosting your lost confidence. Consult your dentist to discuss your goals and expectations to determine if bone grafting is beneficial before opting for implants!