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18555 N 79th Ave Suite A-103
Glendale, AZ 85308-8370

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Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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Grow Your Own Bone with Bone Grafting: Restoring Your Smile, One Step at a Time


Posted on 10/1/2024 by Dr. Michael Allard
Diagram of a dental implant in the jaw bone.Have you ever heard the saying, "You can't build a house on sand"? Well, the same principle applies to your teeth. Just like a house needs a solid foundation, your teeth need a strong bone foundation to stay healthy and functional. This is where bone grafting comes in, a fascinating procedure that can literally grow your own bone, providing a stable base for dental implants or other restorative dentistry procedures.

What is Bone Grafting?


Bone grafting is a surgical procedure where bone material is added to your jawbone to increase its volume and density. This additional bone acts as a scaffold that encourages your own body to grow new bone. This newly grown bone provides a strong foundation for dental implants, bridges, or dentures, ultimately restoring your smile and oral function.

Why Might You Need a Bone Graft?


Several situations can lead to bone loss in the jaw, making bone grafting necessary:

•  Tooth loss: When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This bone loss can make it difficult or impossible to place dental implants in the future.
•  Gum disease: This chronic infection erodes the bone that supports your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss and bone loss.
•  Trauma: Accidents or injuries to the jaw can cause bone fractures and bone loss.
•  Birth defects: Some individuals may have congenital abnormalities that affect jaw development and bone structure.

Types of Bone Grafting Materials


There are several options for obtaining the bone material used in a graft:

•  Autograft: This involves taking bone from another area of your body, typically the chin, hip, or leg. Autografts are considered the gold standard due to their excellent compatibility and ability to stimulate bone growth.
•  Allograft: This uses bone from a human donor that has been screened and processed to ensure safety. Allografts offer a less invasive alternative to autografts.
•  Xenograft: This utilizes bone from another species, typically cows or pigs. Xenografts are readily available and undergo stringent safety protocols.
•  Synthetic materials: Scientists are developing synthetic materials that mimic the properties of bone and could potentially eliminate the need for donor bone.

The Bone Grafting Procedure


A bone grafting procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation. The specific steps may vary depending on the individual case:

1.  Preparing the area: The surgeon will make an incision in the gum to access the jawbone.
2.  Placing the graft material: The chosen bone material is placed in the desired location.
3.  Covering the graft: Depending on the type of graft, a membrane or other barrier material may be placed over the graft to protect it and encourage its integration with the surrounding bone.
4.  Suturing: The incision is closed with sutures.

Healing and Recovery


After surgery, you will be given post-operative instructions to care for the graft site and promote healing. It typically takes several months for the bone graft to fully integrate with your own bone. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and determine when you are ready for dental implant placement or other restorative procedures.

Benefits of Bone Grafting


Bone grafting offers several benefits to patients who have experienced bone loss:

•  Preserves facial structure: By preventing further bone loss, bone grafting helps maintain the shape and structure of your face.
•  Improves oral function: A strong jawbone allows for better chewing and biting ability.
•  Supports dental implants: Bone grafts create a solid foundation for dental implants, restoring the function and appearance of your teeth.
•  Enhances confidence: A complete and functional smile can significantly boost your confidence and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion


Bone grafting is a valuable tool in oral care and restorative dentistry. It allows us to "grow your own bone," providing a foundation for dental implants and other procedures that improve both functionality and aesthetics. If you have experienced bone loss due to tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or other factors, consult with your oral surgeon to discuss whether bone grafting is right for you.

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Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370, (623) 738-2564, arrowheadoralsurgery.com, 11/10/2024, Related Terms: Dental Implants Glendale AZ,