A bone graft is a piece of bone used to repair or “fill in” an area of the jaw that does not have adequate bone mass to support a dental implant. At First Smile Family Dental, the dentist will use your bone tissue, either a section from the lower jaw or a section of the hip, to fix any areas of bone loss. This helps ensure a solid foundation for your dental implants. After your bone graft heals and integrates with your existing jawbone, the dentist will attach an implant post to the surrounding healthy bone tissue. This post can be restored with a dental crown or bridge to give you a fully functioning replacement tooth that is secure and stable.
Am I Candidate for A Bone Graft?
Bone grafts are a standard procedure for a wide variety of patients. Patients whose teeth have become damaged may require a bone graft to repair the mouth's health and restore functionality to the tooth. Likewise, patients who also need oral surgery for other procedures, such as a dental implant, may need to receive a bone graft to ensure that the implant has sufficient support. Finally, some patients require the procedure to prevent further oral health issues, such as bone loss after tooth loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a good idea to consult a dentist to determine whether a bone graft is necessary.
The primary purpose of undergoing a bone graft is to prevent future oral health problems from arising due to insufficient jaw support. However, there are also cosmetic benefits to this procedure. Adequate jawbone structure is essential to a healthy-looking smile. Jawbones that are not strong enough to support the facial structure can cause the appearance of premature aging as well as contribute to wrinkles around the mouth. By strengthening your jawbone, you can maintain a strong, healthy facial structure and reduce the risk of looking older than your actual age. Additionally, patients who have lost significant bone tissue will typically experience substantial cosmetic changes in the mouth. By restoring the levels of bone density after extraction or trauma, we can significantly increase the aesthetic value of your smile.
The Bone Graft Procedure
During the bone graft procedure, our dentists will place the bone graft material on the jawbone, which will eventually fuse with the natural bone and tissue. This will add strength and support to the tooth. Our dentists may recommend waiting a few months before placing the dental implant to ensure the new bone tissue has healed enough to support an implant. Once the healing is complete, our dentist can place the dental implant. The implant will be inserted into the jawbone, fusing to the surrounding bone and tissue over time. Once it has fused completely, the implant can be used just like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods again!
Bone grafting can help address bone defects resulting from periodontal disease, supporting maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For the best dental care, visit First Smile Family Dental at 32717 1st Ave S., Suite 9, Federal Way, WA 98003, or call (253) 785-7323.