Dental bone grafts are used in dentistry to add volume and density to your jaw, especially in areas experiencing bone loss as a result of decay, root sinuses, and gum diseases. They promote jaw bone formation and facilitate wound healing.
Most cases of periodontal disease are treatable using minimally invasive procedures, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery. However, a periodontal disease that has been allowed to progress can result in deteriorated bone beneath the gums. When bone is destroyed by gum disease, it can no longer adequately support the teeth, eventually leading to total tooth loss.
In these cases, a periodontist may recommend bone grafting – also known as regenerative surgery. Pinnacle Periodontics & Dental Implants offers bone grafting in Matthews near Charlotte, Indian Trail, Monroe, Carmel, and Ballantyne to regenerate your jaw bone. During this procedure, a prepared graft is placed in the areas where bone should be, which encourages the body to rebuild the areas lost to periodontal disease.
When Do We Recommend Bone Grafting?
Our periodontist and implantology specialist, Dr. Eric D’Silva will recommend bone grafting if you:
- Plan to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant.
- Have areas of bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.
- Require a tooth extraction.
- Need to regenerate the jaw before getting dentures.
Procedure for Bone Grafting in Matthews near Indian Trail, Monroe, Carmel, and Ballantyne
The procedure for treating gum disease with a periodontal bone graft at our dental office in Matthews near Charlotte, NC, entails three stages: before the bone graft placement, during the bone graft surgery, and after the bone graft placement.
Before Bone Graft Placement
Before conducting bone grafting, your Matthews periodontist, Dr. Silva will first perform an oral examination to determine the health status of your teeth, gums, and jaw. With an X-ray, he will determine the extent of your bone loss, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalized treatment plan that perfectly meets your needs.
During Bone Graft Surgery
Before performing the bone graft surgery, Dr. Silva will numb the gum area with a local anesthetic. Next, he’ll create a small incision in your gums and move the gum tissue backward a little bit to reveal the jawbone.
He then cleans and disinfects the area before placing the bone graft material to repair the defect. In some cases, Dr. Silva may cover the bone graft with a membrane for additional protection. Afterward, the spaced gum tissue is adjusted to its normal position and the incision is closed with stitches.
After Bone Grafting
After the bone graft procedure, you may experience some normal side effects, such as swelling, bruising, and pain. However, these symptoms should reduce in a few days and they can also be managed with pain relievers. Our periodontist in Matthews, Dr. Silva may give you some antibiotics which should be taken as prescribed.
It’s possible that you notice small fragments of bone in the form of salt or sand grains, coming out of the treatment area in the first few days. These aren’t a cause for concern, however, you ensure you call our periodontist to ensure you’re healing properly.
Did you know?
Periodontal bone grafting treatment in Matthews, near Charlotte, NC, is not just for patients with advanced periodontal disease. In fact, more and more patients are undergoing bone graft procedures to gain enough bone structure to support dental implants.
Bone beneath the gums naturally deteriorates following tooth loss. Bone grafting rebuilds these ridges and makes it possible for many patients to get permanent tooth prosthetics instead of dentures. Contact our dental office to know if a bone graft is necessary to treat your dental condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need periodontal bone grafting?
The only way to know if you are a candidate for periodontal bone grafting is by scheduling a consultation with your periodontist. An exam will reveal the condition of your teeth, gums, and the supporting bone beneath. Based on your evaluation, your periodontist will make a recommendation for treatment.
What should I expect during a periodontal bone graft treatment in Matthews, NC?
If bone grafting is the right treatment for you, you’ll visit your periodontist’s office, where you may undergo a scaling and root planing treatment to remove disease-causing bacteria and help prevent additional complications in the future. Prior to the grafting procedure, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to minimize procedural discomfort and possibly sedated for your comfort. The gums will be separated from the teeth, and a graft placed near the underlying bone. A synthetic or organic barrier will be used to ensure the gums do not grow into areas the regenerated bone will eventually occupy.
Will I need to follow any special instructions following a bone graft procedure?
Yes. Bone graft surgery will leave you with sore and swollen gums, so expect to eat only soft foods in the days following your procedure. You may be given pain medications or antibiotics to be taken according to your periodontist’s instructions. It may take up to nine months for your body to make a new bone to fuse to your graft.
