Bone Grafting

Many people in the Frederick, MD, area have come to trust the Frederick Dental Group for important dental services such as bone grafting. Having healthy teeth and a bright smile are not only part of looking your best, but they contribute to your overall physical and emotional health. We are dedicated not only to dental health but whole body health. We provide a high level of patient care founded on the advanced training our staff has received, and we employ the latest technology to give our patients the best possible outcome.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a common procedure that is frequently used for dental implants and other periodontal procedures. Bone grafting is where the jawbone is built up to accommodate a dental implant or another restorative device. Not so long ago, patients who did not have enough bone height or width for replacing a tooth with dental implants were unable to receive implants. Today, a bone graft is only needed when there is not sufficient jawbone to hold dental implants steady in place.

If a person loses a tooth and neglects the situation for a long time, the gums may recede, resulting in bone loss. Also, there are some gum diseases that can lead to bone loss. And some people are born with a natural lack of bone in the jaw area. Any of these situations can make bone grafting necessary.

How Is It Done?

A bone grafting procedure is normally done in an operating room or a dental clinic. A local anesthetic is needed, because the procedure requires making incisions in one or two areas. An incision is made in the recipient area. The surgeon cuts through this area to determine how much additional bone is needed. This usually involves cutting through the gums. Then, if the bone for grafting is coming from the patient, the surgeon cuts a small piece of bone, appropriate for the recipient area, from the donor area. The donor area incision is then closed.

In most cases, the bone used to graft is taken from a sample from the patient. Many times, the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for the graft. Cadaver bone fragments are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source for bone donation.

Once the donor material has been obtained, the surgeon will do the actual implantation, usually with some bone marrow around the graft. Surgeons will drill small holes along the recipient area to cause some bleeding. This helps the implanted bone to heal faster. Then, the implantation area is stitched up.

Following the procedure, patients are advised to only eat soft foods for a time, and may be given antibiotics to help ward off possible infections.

What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?

Restoring and maintaining your face’s bone structure is needed for certain dental procedures to work. For example, dental implant placement requires that bones be as close to their original dimensions and position as possible. Also, the jaw and other facial bones support our muscles and skin that produce our cosmetic appearance. Without proper support from underlying bones, our faces can look aged prematurely.

For more information on Frederick Dental Group, call us today at 301-624-1001, or visit us on Facebook.