Braasch Oral Surgery provides dental bone grafting services in the Bedford, NH office. For more information or to make an appointment, call our office at 603-657-1984.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a simple surgical process that adds volume to the jaw. The procedure most frequently happens in preparation for the placement of dental implants.
Why is Bone Grafting Needed?
When teeth are missing, the jawbone loses its natural stimulation from chewing. The jawbone then begins to lose mass in those areas, as much as 25% in the first year after tooth loss. The loss progressively worsens with time.
Without a strong and healthy jawbone, an oral surgeon cannot place a dental implant. Grafting augments the natural bone and allows implants to seat themselves securely.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
The grafted bone may come from the patient's body or a tissue bank. Our office frequently uses tissue banks because it reduces the patient's healing time.
The oral surgeon numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then creates a small incision to expose the bone. They then introduce the graft material. Frequently, the oral surgeon covers the graft with a membrane to protect it during the healing process. The surgeon then closes the gum tissue with stitches.
While the gum tissue over the graft will heal quickly and with minimum discomfort, the bone graft typically heals within three to four months. This time frame varies from patient to patient. After Dr. Braasch determines that healing is complete, you can receive your dental implant.
Bone Grafting for Implants
The oral surgeon can perform a bone graft simultaneously with a tooth extraction to preserve the socket for a dental implant. Grafting can also take place later to restore a site where a tooth has been missing for some time.
Sinus Lift Bone Grafting
The teeth and sinus cavity are placed close together in the back of the upper jaw. Some patients do not have enough bone in the back of their upper jaw to place an implant without risking the integrity of the sinus cavity. In this case, sinus lift bone grafting can raise the height of the jaw and allow the implant to replace the upper molars.
A sinus lift involves elevating the membrane separating the sinus from the jaw and lifting it to place a bone graft. As the bone heals, it will prepare the site for a dental implant.
Are You a Good Candidate for Bone Grafting?
Good candidates for dental bone grafting share these characteristics:
- Adult teeth that need to be extracted or have been missing for some time
- Bone loss around the missing teeth
- Generally good oral and overall health
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
How long does it take to recover from bone graft surgery?
You can return to your usual activities the next day, taking good care of your healing gums. You may want to eat soft foods for the first week. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
It takes the gums two to three weeks to heal completely. Underneath the gums, the bone graft itself needs time to grow in. This step may take up to four months, but the oral surgeon will let you know when it has grown sufficiently.
What does dental bone graft surgery feel like?
Bone graft surgery is generally well-tolerated and can happen with local anesthesia if desired. Many patients choose to have it done while they receive nitrous oxide or IV sedation, especially if they are having a tooth extracted at the same time. The healing process may involve bruising, swelling, and discomfort, but these should only last a few days.
Is a sinus lift dangerous?
A sinus lift is a safe surgery to preserve your jawbone and protect your sinus. Rarely, side effects may cause a risk of future sinusitis and infections. Our digital imaging equipment reduces the chance of complications.
Call Braasch Oral Surgery
If you need a tooth extraction or have been missing a tooth for some time, you may need a bone graft to support your implant. Dr. Braasch can evaluate your bone mass and determine whether grafting is necessary. Call our office at 603-657-1984 to make an appointment for a complete evaluation and consultation.