Finding out that you have gum disease can be overwhelming. If you learn that you need surgical intervention to correct damage caused by gum disease, there is no need to worry because we have the best team to help you through this process. This is why it is important to choose a knowledgeable care team like our professionals at Willamette Valley Periodontics because we always put our patients first.While it may sound a little intimidating at first, advancements in dental technology have not only made surgical gum disease treatments highly successful, but they have also made them virtually painless. Among these procedures used to treat gum disease is a bone graft. Bone grafting is a straightforward procedure that is necessary to repair your jawbone and also prepare you for future restorations.
What Types of Grafts Are There?
There are many types of bone grafts available that are named based on where the graft material originates from. If bone from another location on your body is being used for a bone graft, then it is referred to as an autograft. However, autografts are not typically used for dental procedures as our team does not operate on other areas of the body and could not harvest enough bone material to complete your graft this way.
The two types of grafts used for oral bone grafting are allografts and synthetic grafts. An allograft uses bone fragments harvested from a cadaver, which is an economical and effective means of obtaining plenty of graft material. A synthetic graft involves using artificial bone-like substances. Our team combines this substance with tiny pieces of your existing jawbone to form structures large enough to graft back onto the jaw itself.
What Is the Procedure Like?
When you come in for a graft or any other surgical procedure, our team always begins by reviewing the procedure with you and then administers an anesthetic. Our professional will then make incisions into your jawbone at the appropriate locations. The bone fragments are attached to the existing structure and the incisions are sutured closed.
Is the Recovery Long?
Many patients are surprised to learn that recovering from bone graft surgery takes about as long as getting a tooth extracted. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after the procedure and only experience mild discomfort. Our professional will prescribe some medication, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce swelling and pain. If you are at a high risk of developing an infection, you will likely receive an antibiotic mouthwash or oral antibiotic as well.
Our team will review aftercare guidelines with you and provide you with a printed copy of these instructions to help your recovery. While you will have few restrictions, there are some foods and drinks that you should avoid so that you do not irritate the sutures. You should be able to resume normal eating and drinking habits in about a week.
When preparing for your bone graft, you can rest assured knowing that our professionals at Willamette Valley Periodontics will guide you through every step of the process from the procedure to your recovery. We will also help you choose the right restoration when you are ready for the next step in the process. If you would like to learn more about bone grafting, contact us at (971) 261-1926.
FAQs
Why do I need a bone graft?
A bone graft may be necessary if you have experienced bone loss in the jaw due to missing teeth, gum disease, or trauma. It is often required to create a stable foundation for dental implants or to prevent further bone deterioration. Bone grafting can also help improve the structure and function of your jaw.
What types of bone graft materials are available?
There are four main types of bone graft materials:
• Autograft – Bone taken from your own body, usually from the jaw, hip, or tibia.
• Allograft – Bone sourced from a human donor, typically from a bone bank.
• Xenograft – Bone derived from an animal source, usually bovine (cow) or porcine (pig).
• Alloplast – Synthetic bone material made from biocompatible substances like calcium phosphate.
What are the potential risks or complications of bone grafting?
While bone grafting is generally safe, potential risks include infection, graft rejection, swelling, pain, and prolonged healing. In rare cases, there may be insufficient bone integration, requiring additional procedures. Your dentist will discuss ways to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcome.
