About Bone Grafting
Similar to natural teeth, dental implants need adequate levels of bone density and volume in order to properly serve your oral health and function. If you have bone loss in the jaw from physical trauma, tooth loss, or periodontal (gum) disease, you may require a bone graft to allow for tooth replacement with a dental implant. Bone grafting adds tissue from your own mouth or another source to depleted areas to strengthen and rebuild your jawbone so it may hold a dental implant. At ACE Dental of Texas, our experienced practitioners commonly perform bone grafting to enhance the success of dental implant procedures. Make a consultation at one of our practices today to discuss your options for bone grafting services.
Reviews
Ideal Candidates for a Bone Graft
You may be a candidate for bone grafting if you have jawbone loss and require support for remaining teeth or future dental implants. Bone loss may be caused by gum disease, a jaw injury, or even missing teeth. When teeth are lost, the surrounding bone begins to break down, creating an indentation in the jaw. This may leave too little structure to offer adequate support for a dental implant. Bone grafting can often increase a patient's candidacy for a dental implant by rebuilding the jawbone structure that has been lost. Replacing lost bone and teeth can significantly enhance oral function and general health, and has the added benefit of maintaining a more youthful facial appearance.
The Bone Grafting Process
The exact process of your bone grafting procedure will vary based on where the graft comes from and the amount of grafting needed. Common bone grafting procedures include:
- Autografts use bone from your own body, such as the chin area or back of the jaw.
- Allografts source bone graft material from another human.
- Xenografts utilize animal-derived tissue, generally from a bovine (cow).
- Alloplasts incorporate synthetic, bio-compatible materials.
Once your bone graft is ready to be placed, our team will numb the treatment area and make an incision in the gum tissue to reach the bone. The graft will be placed over your jawbone along with tissue regeneration factors, such as proteins and collagen, to help encourage bone growth. The gums will be sutured closed and allowed to heal.
Recovery Following Bone Grafting
Following your procedure, you may experience tenderness and swelling in the jaw. Our team may provide you with a prescription for pain medication and recommend cold compresses to enhance your comfort. Over the following nine months, the graft will integrate with your jaw through a process known as osseointegration. During this timeframe, it is critical to maintain a good oral hygiene routine with flossing and brushing along with any products recommended by the ACE Dental team. We can move forward with placing your dental implant when your bone graft has fully healed and is ready to support your tooth replacement.
Insurance Coverage for Bone Grafts
Bone grafting services may be partially covered by some dental insurance plans. Before getting started, our business staff will talk with your provider for coverage details and then calculate any personal responsibilities. ACE Dental is a leading provider of affordable dental care and proudly accepts several flexible payment options. We can also help you apply for low-interest medical financing to help make your care even more budget-friendly.
Strengthen Your Jawbone With a Bone Graft
Jawbone health is essential to your overall oral wellness and even your appearance. If you have bone loss in the jaw and need tooth replacement, bone grafting may be key to giving your future dental implants the necessary support needed. Learn about your options for bone grafting solutions by scheduling a visit at one of our ACE Dental of Texas locations today!