Dental Bone Grafts in Atlanta, GA

Most of the time, when we go to the dentist, it’s for pretty basic things. A cleaning or an exam, the occasional x-ray or tooth filling. That’s why hearing the words “bone graft” can seem a little scary. Bone grafts are sometimes a necessary part of dentistry, though; they don’t have to be scary. The surgery is routine, and the recovery and pain from the process are fairly minimal. Best of all, once it’s done, you’re bound to see an improvement in your oral health and may even have better teeth and gums.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that takes a small fragment of bone and places it into the jaw at the upper or lower arch. This is done to spur the growth of new bone. The reason it is done can be for a couple of different reasons.

One reason for a bone graft is if there has been a recession in the jawbone due to a chronic illness or severe gum disease. Without enough jawbone, it is difficult to support the teeth properly, and the loss of too much bone can cause tooth loss and drooping of the facial features.

Secondly, bone grafts are sometimes done to help increase the amount of bone available to support dental implants. Dental implants are secured to the jawbone, and so, if there is not enough bone present, a bone graft is necessary.

How Does the Procedure Work?

A bone graft is done under full anesthesia. A piece of bone is taken from another part of the body, usually just a small shaving; then, it is placed into the existing jaw area through an incision.

Though the procedure is minimal, it can take several weeks or months to take effect as the new bone causes the body to generate more bone tissue, thus thickening the existing jawbone over time. Once the process is complete and the site has healed, it is possible to move to the next step.