When you need to replace an extracted or lost tooth, a dental implant can totally transform your smile into a gorgeous one. This incredible restoration totally looks and performs like a real tooth, but they require an ample amount of jawbone as well for successful implantation.

A dental bone graft is a surgical method that helps to replace missing bone in your jaw with the help of bone grafting material in order to promote regeneration. As the original bone slowly develops, it absorbs the graft material, resulting in a totally fused area of new bone. This is a regular dental process that is painless and predictable as well.

What are its Types?

Listed below are the common types of bone grafting material:

Autografts- The dentist takes bone tissue from the patient’s body. The tissue is normally taken from the individual’s shin, chin, or hip.
Allografts- For this case, the bone is taken from a human donor which is lab-processed, and that has undergone treatments in order to make it neutral to immune reactions and also free of host diseases.
Xenografts- This bone grafting material actually is taken from the inorganic portions of animal bones, particularly cows.
Alloplasts- This kind of graft is created from hydroxyapatite that is a naturally occurring mineral present in bone.
Ceramic-based grafts- These grafts are developed from only ceramics or mixed with another material, for example, calcium or bioactive glass.

Who is a candidate for Bone Graft?

Any person who has undergone bone loss and also lacks healthy bones due to several reasons like – missing teeth, untreated periodontal issues, aging, genetic or development defects, or trauma to the jaw needs a bone grafting process. If you require a tooth removal or you want to opt for a dental implant, your dentist may advise you for bone grafting.

How will your Dentist Treat you?

During your dental appointment, your dentist will discuss the treatment process in detail and also decide the bone grafting material suitable for you. Your bone grafting method will actually be based on the purpose of treatment; however, you can normally expect the given below steps:

Anesthesia- Your dentist will use a local anesthetic in order to numb the surgical part. You also may require IV sedation if the tissue is taken from your own body.
Extraction and/or bone sourcing- If you require tooth removal, the dentist will perform the tooth extraction at this time. When tooth extraction is done along with the bone grafting process, it promotes speedy recovery.
Graft insertion- Next, your dentist will thoroughly clean the part. If you do not require any tooth removal, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue in order to expose the bone. Then, he/she will bond the bone graft material to the exposed bone.
Stitching- When the graft material is placed in its position, the site will be stitched closed.
Recovery- It will usually take four to six months and at times may be longer to totally heal and be prepped for your dental implant. The dentist will provide instructions to care for the area. And you must follow them exactly in order to prevent failure or complications.

Is the Procedure Painful?

No, not at all! These are performed in some dental offices regularly. It is an outpatient procedure, and patients are usually sedated throughout the complete procedure. A bone graft is only the baby step to take if you want to enjoy your amazing new replacement tooth and a healthy smile.

Get the Help you need!

You can get in touch with Smithfield Family Dentistry if you want to receive the best dental bone grafting in Smithfield, NC. Our dentist in Smithfield goes above and beyond to provide our patients with the best treatment for any of their dental issues along with optimal comfort. We are just a call away.