WHAT IS BONE GRAFTING?
Your jawbone’s strength is important to your overall dental health. Missing teeth or physical trauma could cause a weak jawbone in which you may need to get a bone graft so your jaw can properly fit both your natural teeth and dental implants. A weakened jawbone may be caused by certain oral conditions, like gum disease, or if you experienced physical trauma to your mouth. Atrophy in the jawbone can happen if you are missing a tooth (or teeth) and it wasn’t treated or it was replaced with a removable or cemented restoration instead of a dental implant. Bone grafting helps to boost and build up your jawbone until it is healthy enough to hold an implant. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, this surgery is offered to strengthen your jaw before implant surgery to replace weak or missing teeth. Plan an appointment with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Prabh Grewal or Dr. Arthur Kilkuts, at our office in Corona, CA to get more information about bone graft surgery.
DO I NEED BONE GRAFTING?
A weakened jawbone may be caused by some oral diseases, like gingivitis or physical trauma to your mouth. The jawbone may begin to atrophy if you were missing a tooth (or teeth), and it was either untreated or replaced with a removable or cemented restoration instead of a dental implant. Bone graft surgery strengthens and prepares the jaw for a dental implant; however, you will need to be willing to commit time to the process. Bone grafting may take months to heal, but you will get a stronger jawbone that will be able to support dental implants and your natural teeth for better overall oral health.
DO I NEED BONE GRAFTING?
A weakened jawbone may be caused by some oral diseases, like gingivitis or physical trauma to your mouth. The jawbone may begin to atrophy if you were missing a tooth (or teeth), and it was either untreated or replaced with a removable or cemented restoration instead of a dental implant. Bone graft surgery strengthens and prepares the jaw for a dental implant; however, you will need to be willing to commit time to the process. Bone grafting may take months to heal, but you will get a stronger jawbone that will be able to support dental implants and your natural teeth for better overall oral health.
WHY IS BONE GRAFTING NECESSARY?
A bone grafting procedure is typically necessary after the extraction of a tooth to ensure the bone has proper integrity. If a tooth is not properly supported, the bone can deteriorate and cause additional issues. In some cases, a bone graft is provided prior to the placement of a dental implant to ensure optimal results. Additionally, a bone graft may be necessary for patients with periodontal disease or misaligned teeth.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM BONE GRAFTING?
Your bone grafting procedure will vary based on where the graft comes from and the amount of grafting that is being done. Your bone graft may be removed from areas, like your chin, hip, or lower leg. This procedure, an autograft, is completed in our office using sedation and local anesthesia. Additional graft options include an allograft that uses bone harvested from another human; a xenograft uses bone taken from an animal, typically a cow; or a synthetic bone graft known as an alloplastic. In your consultation, we will go over your graft options to help you determine your best option. When your graft is ready, we will prepare the needed areas and make an incision through the gums to reveal the bone, then attach the graft to the jawbone. The gum tissue will be stitched closed and your mouth will be cleaned. Over the next nine months, the graft should bond with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Within this time, it is crucial to maintain a regular oral care routine with flossing and brushing. We may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication for any discomfort and inflammation after the procedure. We will schedule additional appointments at our Corona, CA office to check your healing and determine when you are ready for your dental implant.
BONE GRAFTING FAQ
Is bone grafting painful?
Generally, patients do not feel any pain during or after the procedure provided they adhere to our detailed aftercare instructions. Once the bone graft has fused to the natural bone, you’ll be ready for your tooth replacement.
How long does it take to recover from bone grafting?
In most cases, the recovery process will take about three months to heal. However, we do recommend for patients to avoid strenuous activity, such as exercise, for at least six months after the procedure. During this time, the bone graft also needs to remain as clean and dry as possible.
Will I be awake during a bone graft?
No. We will use local anesthesia or IV sedation during the surgery to ensure a comfortable procedure. We can remove bone from an area of your body, such as the hip or jaw, or we can use a synthetic, bone-like graft instead.
PREP YOUR MOUTH FOR A DENTAL IMPLANT
For a natural-looking and healthy smile, rebuild your jawbone so it can support both your natural teeth and dental implants with bone grafting at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center. During a private consultation with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Arthur Kilkuts or Dr. Prabh Grewal, you can learn about your options and get a personalized treatment plan that gives you a stronger jaw and healthier mouth. Contact our office in Corona, CA to make your appointment or to have your questions about insurance and treatment answered.
