Tooth loss is surprisingly common. Thankfully, full restoration is possible via dental implants, which return your smile to its full form and function. To be eligible for implants, you need to have sufficient jawbone. If you lack adequate jaw bone, you may still qualify for dental restoration thanks to a procedure known as bone grafting.
Through a bone graft, our surgeons will regenerate the bone where you need it the most, providing a secure place to anchor your implants. We are pleased to perform bone grafts here at Ohio Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, always emphasizing patient comfort, safety, and outcomes.
Why Might You Need Bone Grafting?
Dental implants must be anchored to something strong and secure. If you do not have adequate jaw bone, it can make dental restoration considerably more complicated. We recommend bone grafting to make the implant placement process go more smoothly and successfully and to maximize your chances of long-term implant success.
You may be missing jaw bone for any number of reasons. The most common cause is that you have been missing teeth for some time without seeking implants. Without a tooth root to stimulate the jaw, bone atrophy is inevitable.
You may also lack adequate bone due to untreated periodontal or bone diseases. Also note that, with some tooth extractions, it may not be possible to remove the tooth without also removing some bone material. This may necessitate the need for bone grafting.
What to Expect During a Bone Graft
You may experience a bone graft in anticipation of dental implant surgery. This is especially common among patients who have been missing a tooth for an extended period of time. In other instances, we recommend having a bone graft performed simultaneously with your tooth extraction, preserving your jawbone until you are ready for implants.
Regardless of the timing, your bone graft will always include a consultation from your surgeon, ensuring your eligibility for a safe and successful procedure. On the day of the surgery, you will receive a warm welcome from our clinical care team. They will escort you to the treatment area, then administer anesthesia for your comfort.
For some patients, we recommend using PRGF or plasma-rich growth factors. PRGF is harvested from your blood then baked into the bone graft to help expedite your healing process. Using PRGF will speed up your recovery and also minimize the risk of your bone graft being rejected by the body.
Comfort and Recovery After Your Treatment
Your recovery timeline will vary depending on the type of bone graft you receive, and on whether you have your bone graft performed simultaneously with other procedures. Usually, the longest recovery times are for patients with standalone sinus lifts.
During your bone graft recovery, you can anticipate some physical discomfort, pain, and bleeding for a few days. Pain management medications will be available to increase your comfort. You will also receive detailed instructions about what you should and should not eat during your recovery. Most patients are ready to transition to a normal diet within just a few days.
If at any point during your recovery, you experience a problem or a concern, we invite you to call us directly. We are here to help however we can.
You’re in Good Hands with Our Surgeons
Bone grafting can be essential in dental restoration, making you a better candidate for successful implant placement. At our practice, we use clinical skills and advanced technology to make bone grafting as smooth and comfortable as possible. To learn more, reach out to schedule a consultation. Contact Ohio Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at (440) 871-2201.
