Bone Grafting
Mesa, AZ
When patients experience bone loss in the jaw, whether from gum disease, tooth extraction, or other causes, bone grafting offers a proven way to restore that lost structure. This procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to areas of the jaw where bone volume has become insufficient, encouraging the body to rebuild and strengthen the affected area over time. At Destination Dental, bone grafting is commonly performed to prepare patients for dental implants and to address the consequences of advanced periodontal disease. If you have been told you may not be a candidate for implants due to bone loss, this procedure may be the first step toward restoring both function and appearance. Why Bone Loss Happens and Why It MattersBone loss in the jaw is more common than many patients realize. When teeth are lost or extracted, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its density. Over time, the bone begins to resorb. Periodontal disease accelerates this process by damaging the bone and tissue that support the teeth, which can lead to further tooth loss and a compounding cycle of deterioration. In more advanced cases, significant bone loss can alter the appearance of the face, causing it to look shorter or allowing the lower jaw to shift forward. Beyond cosmetic concerns, insufficient bone volume makes it impossible to place dental implants without first rebuilding the foundation. Who Is a Candidate for Bone Grafting?Bone grafting is appropriate in several situations. Common candidates include patients who:
During your evaluation at Destination Dental, our team will examine your jaw and determine whether bone grafting is necessary before moving forward with any restorative treatment. Where Does the Bone Come From?One of the most important factors in a bone grafting procedure is the source of the graft material. There are several options, and the right choice depends on your specific clinical situation. The preferred material is bone harvested from your own body, typically from another area of the jaw or skeleton. This is called an autograft. Because the material is your own living tissue, it has the highest success rate and the strongest ability to stimulate new bone growth. The drawback is that it requires a separate surgical site. When autograft bone is not available or practical, donor bone from a cadaver, known as an allograft, is a frequently used alternative. This material is carefully processed and sterilized before use. Animal-sourced bone tissue is another natural option and functions similarly to human donor bone. Synthetic graft materials are also available. These are typically composed of ceramic, bioglass, or calcium phosphate compounds, and can be used on their own or combined with fragments of your own bone to increase density and support healing. In some cases, growth factors derived from your own biological material may be applied alongside the graft to further stimulate bone formation. The Bone Grafting ProcedureBefore any procedure begins, our team conducts a thorough examination of your mouth to assess for disease, infection, or other concerns. Once you are confirmed as a candidate, your grafting appointment is scheduled. On the day of the procedure, anesthetic is administered to keep you comfortable throughout. Your vitals are monitored, and the treatment area is cleaned before work begins. The dentist makes a small incision to separate the gum tissue from the bone, creating access to the site that needs grafting. The chosen bone material is placed between the existing bone structures to encourage fusion and new growth. The graft is then secured using either an adhesive or, in some cases, a small fixation device to prevent movement during healing. Once the graft is in place, the incision is closed to allow the area to begin healing. Types of Bone GraftsThere are three primary types of dental bone grafting procedures, each designed to address different clinical needs. A socket graft is performed immediately after a tooth extraction to preserve the bone in the empty socket. This is especially important when a future implant is planned, as it prevents the socket walls from collapsing and maintains the volume needed for implant placement. A block bone graft is used in cases of more significant bone loss, typically along the front of the jaw. A small block of bone, usually taken from the back of the jaw, is secured to the deficient area with fixation hardware to rebuild width and volume. A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, addresses bone loss in the upper jaw, particularly in the area beneath the sinus cavity. When the sinus has expanded into space once occupied by the roots of missing upper teeth, this procedure adds bone material to restore the height needed for implant placement. Our team will assess your specific situation and recommend the appropriate approach. What to Expect After the Procedure
Recovery from bone grafting varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the type of graft used. Some swelling, mild discomfort, and tenderness in the days following the procedure are normal. Most patients are able to manage with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief and return to normal activity within a short period. The bone graft itself requires several months to fully integrate with the surrounding bone before the next phase of treatment, such as implant placement, can begin. Follow-up appointments are an important part of this process, and our team will monitor your healing at each visit. If you have questions about bone grafting or would like to find out whether this procedure is right for you, call us at (480) 741-9291 to schedule a consultation with our team at Destination Dental. |
Contact Information1941 W Guadalupe Rd, STE 120, Mesa, AZ 85202 Mesa, AZ 85202-2045 (480) 741-9291 info@destinationdentalaz.com Follow Us |
