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Preparing for your Bone Graft

preparing for bone graftMiami and Coral Gables, FL

Many people experience bone loss in their mouth and jawbone as they age. This deterioration may occur as a symptom of advanced gum disease. Bone loss also is an inevitable long-term consequence of tooth loss, because the supporting bone structure no longer is receiving the constant stimulation that previously was provided by the tooth root. A bone graft is a reconstructive surgical procedure that involves adding bone tissue to an area experiencing bone deterioration. If you need a bone graft, it is important to seek out the care of either an oral surgeon or a dentist who is experienced performing these procedures. Your Miami implant dentists Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia have the knowledge and experience you want in finding someone to perform your bone graft. Here’s what to expect as you prepare for this procedure.

When is a bone graft needed and how does it work?

A bone graft usually is performed to make sure the supporting bone structure will be strong enough to support any dental restorations, such as dental implants, that you plan to have placed. 

The procedure for a bone graft is an in-office treatment, and it requires minimal downtime. To begin, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum. Then, the grafting material is put into place. The grafting material usually is donor tissue either from a human or animal. However, it is made sterile and safe for use. Then, a collagen membrane is placed over the grafting material to facilitate healing and hold the material in place. Sutures may or may not be used to complete the procedure. During the next few months, your body will generate new bone cells to fuse the grafting material in place permanently.

Learn about the positives, and negatives, of a bone graft procedure 

Bone grafts make it possible to receive certain, longer-lasting dental restorations—especially dental implants. Considered the finest tooth replacement that is available, an implant is virtually permanent and also is the only way to prevent the deterioration of supporting bone structure, because the implant screw itself replaces the tooth root. In a patient who already is experiencing this deterioration, a bone graft increases the quantity and density of the existing supporting bone structure.

Like any surgical procedure, a bone graft has risks. Even with the use of anesthetic, you can expect to feel mild to moderate discomfort following the bone graft. You also may be prescribed an antibiotic following the procedure, as a safeguard against potential infection. Your body also may reject the bone graft, which requires cleaning the infected area, allowing it to heal, and then attempting to perform another bone graft in that location, although this circumstance is extremely rare. It also may take more than one bone graft for the treated area to develop the preferred amount of density and thickness. If you smoke or use tobacco in any form, we urge you to quit prior to the procedure.

In general, however, bone grafts are safe and effective for most healthy individuals.

Dental Bone Grafts in Miami

Implant technology is more convenient and accessible than ever, but sometimes a patient is not a good candidate for this procedure because of suboptimal bone density. That’s when a bone graft can be so helpful. It is important to remember that your body probably will need to heal for at least a few months before the implant procedure itself can begin. This is why our Miami dentists meet with any potential implant patient for a consultation to evaluate their oral health, their medical history, and their existing bone density. Find out more by calling (305) 595-4616 to schedule a consultation.

Miami Designer Smiles is proud to serve the oral health needs of patients in Miami and Coral Gables, Florida.