At Citrus Smiles, we utilize the latest techniques and skills to provide you with the best care you deserve. If you are considering tooth replacement with dental implants but do not have sufficient bone, we can address this concern with bone grafting in Murphy, Wylie, Heath and Lucas TX. Using this advanced procedure, Dr. Aurora can replenish your jawbone thickness and enhance the success of implants or other restorative options.
How Do Bone Grafts Work
Bone grafting is a minimally invasive technique that uses bone grafts from natural or synthetic sources to replace lost bone thickness. When you lose a natural tooth, the bone around that area resorbs over time. This may not cause any major issues, but it can become a concern if you are considering dental implants.
Similar to your natural teeth, implants need a solid foundation to function properly. That’s why our dentists recommend bone grafting before implant surgery to restore ideal bone thickness.
The bone grafts fuse with the surrounding bone tissues and stimulate healthy bone production. It is an excellent option for patients who have a thin bone structure or periodontal disease.
What Happens During Bone Grafting
The process of bone grafting usually takes a single appointment. We will first examine the missing teeth area to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
We will start by injecting a numbing agent to minimize pain or discomfort. Our dentist will place a small incision over the gums to expose the underlying bone. We will then place a bone graft, taking special care to avoid any rough edges.
The best results are attained by using a natural bone graft from your own jaw or body, but another source or a synthetic material can also be used. Once the graft is in place, we may place additional growth factors to stimulate the formation of healthy bone. We will then close the incision with sutures to allow proper recovery.
Bone Grafting Aftercare: Essential Tips for Optimal Healing
As the bone graft heals, it merges with your natural bone to create a strong and reliable foundation. It is normal to experience minor pain or tenderness at the treatment site, but they fade within a few days.
We suggest starting with a soft diet and avoiding hard foods during the initial recovery period. You can slowly shift to a normal diet as the treatment site heals. It is strictly advisable to avoid smoking during this period because it can impede the healing process.
We will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the healing of the graft material. If sufficient bone thickness has been achieved, we will discuss the best options to replace your lost teeth.