Dental Bone Grafting: The First Step in Rebuilding your Smile

What is bone grafting?

Bone grafting is the process of rebuilding bone where deterioration has occurred. Through the implantation of the donor’s bone into the jaw, Dr. Romanow and Dr. Wentworth encourage the body to grow new bone on its own. This procedure is typically done to prepare the jaw for a dental implant but can be performed for other structural needs as well.

Jaw Health

Your teeth do more than just chew and bite. They keep your jawbone “in shape” by providing regular stimulation. Without that stimulation, the alveolar bone (the part of the jaw that anchors teeth) dissolves as the body reallocates minerals elsewhere. This process happens relatively fast when you lose a permanent tooth, a common cause of jawbone loss. Other causes include periodontal disease, dentures, trauma, tumors, and more.

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With jawbone loss, patients face:

  • Problems with remaining teeth
  • A collapsed facial profile
  • Skin wrinkling
  • TMJ pain including headaches
  • Speech and nutrition problems.

Luckily, there is a fix:

Minor Bone Grafting

There are a variety of types of bone grafting – most of which are considered “minor bone grafting” and are typically done by Drs. Romanow and Wentworth in preparation for a dental implant. Dental implants require that there is adequate bone in the jaw. Often, there is not, and that is where bone grafting comes in – to build up bone in preparation for an implant.

Major Bone Grafting

When a significant amount of bone loss has occurred due to trauma, cysts, tumors, or a defect, major bone grafting is often required. This advanced process often requires additional materials and technologies and sometimes several specialists.

Where does the new bone come from?

The bone used in grafting can come from a variety of places: your chin, hip, leg, and skull are all common donor sites. In addition to that, bone-grafting materials are sometimes used from bovine (cow) sources, as well as human cadavers. There are pros and cons to each, which will be discussed with you as we determine the best course of action.

What is bone grafting recovery like?

You will be adequately anesthetized during the procedure. However, as with any dental surgery, you may experience some soreness as the anesthesia wears off. Typically, our patients can control the pain with over-the-counter medications, and any necessary prescriptions will be discussed at your appointment before the procedure. After the procedure, the bone is left alone to heal and grow for three to six months before implants can be placed.

Bone grafting is a safe, reliable, and routine procedure these days. If you have any questions about this amazing, natural process, please give us a call at Gaithersburg Office Phone Number 301-238-7026!