N Joseph Laborde III, DDS, MMSc
Sarah J Kelly, DDS, MS
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
3701 Hulen Street, Suite 121, Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-738-3151
Bone Grafting
For the longevity of both the natural teeth and dental implants, the jaw bone must be of an adequate width and depth. There must be a substantial quantity of bone to support the teeth, and dense, healthy bone also plays a significant role in your outward facial appearance. Unfortunately, there are many instances in which the dimensions of the jaw bone are less than adequate, and it becomes necessary to employ a procedure known as bone grafting.
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What is Bone Grafting?
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Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which the jaw bone in a specific area is augmented or reinforced with an additional quantity of bone. The new bone may be sourced from another area within your own body or it may be sourced from a cadaver. Bone grafting material may also be bovine (cow) in its origin or it may have been cultivated from living cells in a state-of-the-art laboratory.
How is the Procedure Carried Out?
The area that has been selected for the bone graft will be numbed with a local anesthetic in the dental office.Sedation dentistry and relaxation techniques can be employed to ensure your complete comfort prior to the start of the procedure. Next, through a small incision in the gum tissue, the bone graft material is placed at the intended treatment area. To build up the height of the jaw bone, the bone grafting material will be placed on top of the receded area. To fill an empty socket that has been left by an extracted tooth, the grafting material can be placed directly into the bone. Depending upon the circumstances of your bone graft, additional materials can be placed to speed healing or to guide the surrounding tissues during the healing process. Finally, the grafting site is closed and specific post-operative instructions will be discussed. It may be necessary to allow several months of healing time before moving on to the next phase of your dental treatment.
Reap the Rewards
Bone grafting may be recommended to rebuild absent bone, provide a solid foundation for dental implants, or reshape the gumline. To learn more about the benefits of bone grafting, please contact our office to schedule a consultation today!