Bone Grafting in Charlotte, NC

Quality Bone Graft for Dental Implants

Normally, when a tooth is extracted, the jawbone weakens if the tooth is not immediately replaced. This makes it difficult for dental implant procedures to take place. Patients who have missing teeth are recommended to have a “bone graft”. This is because for a dental implant to be effective, a bone graft is necessary. It maximizes the outcome of a dental implant surgery.

What is bone grafting?

Bone grafting refers to the procedure of creating a solid jawbone to support dental implants. During this process, bone or bone-like elements are added to the jaw. The bone graft can be adopted either from your body or can be processed from materials such as cadaver.

Benefits of a Bone Graft Procedure

It preserves the jawbone at the region where a tooth is extracted.
It prepares the extraction site for future dental implants.
It preserves the volume and shape of the jawbone which helps stabilize dental implants.

Why Choose Oral Surgery Associates of Charlotte for your Bone Graft Procedure?

Our Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are well experienced to handle your bone grafting procedure, dental implants and all other oral treatments with ease. To build your bone ready for an implant, the surgical team at Oral Surgery Associates of Charlotte performs bone grafting procedures using modern equipment. This ensures the newborn integrates with the bone in the jaw within a short time.

TYPES OF GRAFTING

1. Major Bone Grafting

Major bone grafting procedures are mostly done on patients who have material damages to the jaw. They help repair defects of the jaws. Such defects are corrected using a patient’s own-bone. The bone is either obtained from the jaw, hip or tibia or a tissue bank. Examples of material defects that require major bone grafting include: defects from traumatic injuries, defects caused during a tumor surgery or other congenital defects.

2. Minor Bone Grafting

Minor bone grafting is usually performed when the jawbone associated with missing teeth lacks quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. The grafting is termed as minor because it doesn’t involve a lot of procedures. The implant can be placed and bone defect grafted simultaneously. Examples include oral bone grafts that are placed to fill an empty tooth socket after a tooth has been lost or extracted.

What should you expect during a bone grafting procedure?

Once the bone graft is complete, the rest of the implant surgery can proceed. Once your doctor agrees that you are fit for the procedure, go ahead and have your jawbone grafted.

There are several procedures that can be performed during bone grafting. This, however, varies depending on the patient’s past cases and oral needs. In a typical bone graft procedure, our Board Certified & Maxillofacial Surgeon will either use the patient’s own bone or use a bone grafting material to graft a jawbone socket. For a minor graft, the surgeon may conduct it simultaneously with the implant surgery. Healing may take time, however, your jawbone will be strong enough to support your dental implant.

What are the different types of bone graft material used?

Bone graft material can be adopted from various sources. Oral surgeons recommend the use of your own bone. They have many options that they can take the bone from. They can take the bone from your mouth especially in the upper or lower jaw; they can also get a bone from your chin, hip or tibia. However, if your bone becomes incompatible they can use artificially processed bones.

How long will it take for the bone graft to completely support a dental implant?

Without enough bone present for the implant to attach itself to the jaw, the implant is often not stable to support a tooth; therefore considerable time is required for the bone graft to grow. It may take up to 9 months for the grafted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant.

What should you do after a bone graft procedure?

The placement of this bone graft is fairly simple and usually does not involve an extensive recovery period. The bone graft combines with your natural bone for several weeks after the procedure and will provide a strong anchor for a replacement dental implant. However, there are certain things you need to do in order to take care of the grafted area.

Bone Graft AfterCare

After bone grafting, you may feel more bone fill in your socket than you are used to, avoid brushing the area with your tongue or cheeks to feel the area. In the first few weeks, avoid brushing the grafted and implanted region. Since bone grows and heals slowly, it requires optimum conditions for healing. You may need to change your diet, as you would for any oral surgical procedure immediately after the bone grafting procedure.

Overview

It is often extremely difficult to replace a lost tooth in the jaw with dental implants because there is not enough bone present. Fortunately, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant. If you are a resident of Charlotte who needs a bone graft, don't hesitate to contact Oral Surgery Associates of Charlotte. You can book an appointment online or you can simply call 704-549-8020.

In the event that you are prepared for a more joyful and more advantageous way of life through a winning smile, call (704) 549-8020 or schedule an appointment.