Bone Grafting - Ellicott City, MD
Restore Jawbone Strength & Durability with Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to rebuild a jawbone that has deteriorated due to tooth loss. It is often performed prior to dental implant surgery to give your new restorations the best possible odds for success by creating a firm foundation for them to attach to. At Ellicott City Smiles, we’re proud to offer bone grafting procedures right here in office to help you achieve the healthier, stronger smile you need. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation and learn more!
Why Choose Ellicott City Smiles for Bone Grafting
- Treatment Performed In-House
- Periodontist & Prosthodontist on Staff
- Creates a Firm Foundation for Dental Implants
What is Bone Grafting?
A bone graft is a procedure designed to help restore or replace missing bone tissue in the jaw. It is frequently used when the alveolar bone becomes weak or deteriorates following tooth loss, oral trauma, or gum disease. Bone grafting essentially rebuilds the jawbone’s density, so it can safely support dental implants, a bridge, or other restorations.
When you lose permanent teeth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of proper stimulation. The grafting material used in your bone graft procedure essentially acts as a catalyst for new bone growth. Eventually, your body will replace this material with its own natural bone, creating a strong, secure foundation. Without it, getting restorations like dental implants may be impossible, as they require a solid jaw to remain permanently anchored in place.
Bone Grafting After Tooth Loss
The longer you’ve been missing one or more teeth, the greater the chance your jaw has experienced some bone resorption. This is because prior to losing your teeth, they provided the jawbone with essential stimulation when you chewed. Without the tooth’s roots to provide this, however, the bone will quickly begin to deteriorate. This can in turn make it extremely difficult to undergo restorative treatments like dental implants, because there is not enough density to support them. If it’s been a while since you lost your tooth or teeth, your dental team can rebuild the jaw using a piece of bone from another area of the mouth, or from a freeze-dried specimen from a donor.
Bone Grafting After Tooth Extraction
If you’ll be having a tooth pulled, your extraction site may benefit from a bone graft using freeze-dried human bone granules. Your dental team will cover the site with a thin membrane and suture it closed. In approximately four to six weeks, you should be ready for a full or partial denture; however, for permanent restorations like dental implants or implant-retained dentures, you’ll need to wait between four and six months before the site can support this treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting restores the density and volume of the jawbone, providing you with more options for tooth replacement. Even if you’re just missing one tooth, it can take its toll on your appearance, oral health, and self-confidence. Your remaining teeth can suffer too, often drifting out of alignment, or even falling out due to lack of stimulation. Worse yet, missing one tooth increases your risk of periodontal disease and decay in your remaining teeth. A bone graft will not only restore lost portions of your jaw, but it can also help prevent all the negative side effects that go hand in hand with losing permanent teeth.
If you’re ready to rebuild your strong, healthy jaw and create a firm foundation for dental implants or other restoration options, contact our team today to schedule a consultation!