Bone Grafting Specialists

What is bone grafting?

The bone tissue in your mouth can become weakened due to trauma, infection, or disease. Bone grafting is a procedure that supplements your existing, impaired bone tissue.

For example, if you need a dental implant and don’t have a strong enough jawbone to support it, you’ll need a bone grafting procedure first. That way, the implant can anchor to it securely.

The bone grafting procedure can also treat different types of severe gum disease that has caused bone loss, which can further contribute to tooth loss.

Once your bone graft has been placed, it fuses with your existing bone over time, which takes a few months.

What makes up bone grafting material?

You have options for the type of bone grafting material you can use for your procedure, including:

Autografts

This type comes from the bone in your own body. For example, it may originate from your jaw or hip.

Allografts

This type comes from another person instead of your own body.

Xenografts

This type comes from another species, such as a cow or pig.

Alloplasts

This type is made from synthetic material.

Before your procedure, your dental provider will talk with you during your consultation to help determine the best solution.

What should I expect during bone grafting?

The team at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants offers local anesthesia and conscious sedation to make sure you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.

Once you’re comfortable, your dental specialist cleans the area then creates a small incision in your gum tissue, exposing the underlying bone. 

The last few steps include placing the graft against your existing bone and suturing your surrounding tissues together to close the area.

The entire procedure takes about an hour.

How do I take care of my oral health after bone grafting?

To maintain your oral health after your procedure, practice good oral hygiene, which includes using a gentle toothbrush at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. The team can also prescribe a mouthwash to limit bacteria or any signs of infection.

You also need to attend your follow-up appointments to have your healing closely monitored.

To find out if you’re a candidate for bone grafting, call the practice at the nearest location to you or request your appointment online today.