Human bone is a fascinating material. Because it forms the rigid structure of our bodies, giving us our physical shape, there is a tendency to think of bone like the steel skeleton of a skyscraper. But bone is far more intricate that steel. It’s a living entity all its own that evolves and adapts to your changing needs throughout your life. Your body is actually more like a giant recycling factory – depositing new bone cells and removing old ones.
The same “recycling” process happens inside your mouth. Sometimes this process is a good thing. Other times, when bone resorbs, reprocessed into your body from an edentulous space (an area with a missing tooth), it’s not. For instance, the jawbone’s adaptability allows orthodontists to move teeth into a better position with braces. But in the case of losing teeth, bone loss can create significant problems.
Periodontal disease is another way tooth-supporting bone is lost. Patients who suffer from partial or complete edentulism will witness notice changes in their facial structure, resulting in features that appear to sag, or an older appearance.
Bone grafting is all about reversing these unfortunate trends. The procedure involves building up the bone you’ve already lost. Doing so provides long-term health and esthetic benefits and also sets the stage for your dentist to complete additional treatments like placing dental implants.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure typically performed in a dental office. First, an incision is made in your gum to reach the bone. Once that is achieved grafting material is added. The grafting material is usually processed bone minerals. This “bone foundation” is enough to stimulate your body to deposit new bone cells.
The grafting material can come from your own body. But just as often the bone comes from a bone bank which contains donor animal or human bone. It can also be entirely synthetic. Grafting material comes in various forms:
The graft, which is covered by a collagen membrane or platelet-rich plasma, a substance made from a patient’s own blood, will act as a healing and protective agent on top of which, new bone will be deposited.
Bone grafts require only local anesthesia. If requested, however, oral or IV sedatives can also be administered. Soreness is common in the area after the surgery. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and/or pain relievers, as well as ice therapy after the procedure, is usually the best approach. Any residual pain will fade away within 1-2 days.
For more information about bone grafting or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garg and his team, contact the Center for Dental Implants at one of our locations around Miami today!
"I cannot say enough good stuff about this office. The staff is warm and inviting. Barbie has changed my oral hygiene routine and I cannot thank her enough. Make sure you give this office a try!"
- Jeff Greenfield
"I recently lost a tooth playing soccer and I felt hopeless! I came across this office and called to schedule a consult. The day of my appointment I felt very welcomed by all of the staff, and I felt more at ease with all the smiling faces. I am very satisfied with my results! The Dr.'s are very experienced, in fact, I saw some books that were written by Dr. Garg about implants. I would definitely recommend this office to all my friends and family. "
- Karen Zamora
"The best office! I absolutely love the entire staff and Barbie is the best. The office is spotless and the care is second to none. I definitely recommend Dr. Garg and his entire staff!"
- Evan Greenfield
"I was terrified of having to get teeth implanted in my head!! I looked all around for the best of the best, and I found Dr. Garg. He actual wrote several books on dental implants and teaches thousands of dentist how to do Implants, so I thought he's the doctor for me. I can now say he is amazing!! Dr. Garg is really the top of the top when it comes to advanced dental procedures. "
- Matt Bento
"I saw Dr. Garg and Dr. Cook at their dental office last year, and was pleased by the care, artistry, and compassion shown me by all who attended my dental work. I can't believe I'm writing this, but I am actually looking forward to my next "visit", knowing I'm in the right place."
- Laurie Schwartz