A dental bone graft is performed to increase the amount and density of the bone in a part of the jaw where there is insufficient bone or where it has been lost. When you visit our clinic for this procedure, we perform it by taking bone from a different part of your body and then surgically fusing it to the existing bone of your jaw. In many cases, we also use synthetic bone material.
When Do I Need Bone Grafting?
Some people do not have sufficient bone in their jaw, whereas others lose it to events such as accidents, trauma, diseases, and others. Upon consultation, we will examine your mouth, carry out an X-ray, and check if you need bone grafting or not.
The deficiency of natural bone tissues can be caused because of various reasons like gum diseases, development defects, empty space after teeth removal or extraction, and face injury. You may particularly need bone grafting before your dental implants procedure if you do not have sufficient bone to hold the implants.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- We will administer anesthesia before the procedure and monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery.
- After cleaning the area of surgery, we will make an incision in your gum to separate it from the bone, where we will place the bone graft.
- We will place the bone material between two sections of the bone that are required to grow together.
- We will secure the graft using a membrane, dissolvable adhesive material, or even dental screws.
- Lastly, we will stitch your incision and let it heal.
Recovery and After-Care
We will put gauze on the site of the surgery and ask you to hold it for some time. You will also be asked to change this dressing in the next 24 hours. To manage pain and swelling, we will prescribe you some antibiotics and painkillers. Apart from this, we will give you some after-care to follow to quicken the healing process.
- You can use ice packs to relieve pain and swelling.
- Do not eat hard foods such as ice, candies, and others. Eat softer and bland foods for a few days after the procedure.
- If possible, try to sleep with your head elevated.
- Avoid sipping liquids like hot coffee, hot tea, and soups.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol for a few days after the procedure.
- Keep rinsing your mouth with warm water and avoid engaging in sports or other physical activity.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Pleasanton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Dogra. Please call us at (925) 600-9006 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
