Everything You Should Know About Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is necessary to achieve functional and esthetically pleasing results with dental implant treatment. During the process, a dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the jaw and attaches the other bone material to the jaw. People who have teeth that are damaged or fractured can greatly benefit from this procedure.
When Do You Need a Bone Graft?
There are a few common reasons why people need a bone graft. About 120 million people throughout the country are missing one tooth. We lose teeth for a variety of reasons. It could be from injury, age, or health conditions. In fact, 25% of bone width is reduced when you lose a tooth within the first year. If the tooth is left untreated for too long, there wouldn’t be enough surrounding jawbone to support a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Once the bone mass from that tooth is fully gone, it can’t be reversed which is why a bone graft could be the best option.
Periodontal disease could, too, cause the bone to disintegrate. This eventually leads to tooth loss. The bacteria associated with periodontitis slowly eat away at the jawbone and other parts of your mouth. Dental bone grafts would be a good treatment option in this case.
Dental trauma is another reason why excess wear is made to our supporting tooth structure. Pressure can also lead to fractured or cracked teeth. Much like grinding and clenching, trauma can also include a tooth getting knocked out from an accident leading to teeth that are damaged or fractured.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are a few different types of bone grafting. Which type depends on if there are teeth that are damaged or fractured, damage to the gums, and the overall severity of the condition. The availability of bone material also depends on which type of graft is used for the procedure.
They work differently, and they are made from different materials. Some examples of bone grafts are;
- Xenograft Tissue
- Alloplast Bone Graft
- Autograft Tissue
- Growth Factors
Conclusion
Dental bone grafts are a treatment option that experts in oral surgery perform often. Trusted experts can better answer any other questions you may have, including if a bone graft is the right treatment option for you.