Bone grafts are surgical procedures that are used to deliver bone material to areas of low bone mass. This bone material can be harvested from another area on the body or made in a lab. Bone grafts are often performed in coordination with the placement of dental implants. Since dental implants require a minimal amount of bone to osseointegrate with, bone grafts are used to encourage the growth of new bone in areas where the bone may have deteriorated.
Did You Know?
A sinus lift is a type of bone graft that is performed on the upper arch. It is called a sinus lift because the goal is to build up the bone between the upper teeth and the sinus cavity in order to “lift” the sinuses and prevent the implant from damaging them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a bone graft?
You may need a bone graft if you are having dental implants placed but have been told that you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw. Oftentimes this can occur if you have had teeth missing for longer than six months, since the bone starts to deteriorate around that time. However, Dr. Matin will need to perform dental x-rays to evaluate your bone health and determine if a bone graft is necessary. To find out if you need a bone graft, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehdi Matin of West Coast Oral Surgery today.
What can I expect when having a bone graft at West Coast Oral Surgery?
When having a bone graft at West Coast Oral Surgery, you can expect to be anesthetized and sedated so that your mouth is numb and you are calm. Dr. Matin will begin by making a small incision in your gums to access the jawbone. He will then place the bone graft material in areas of low bone mass, then suture the gums up over the material. In some cases, bone grafting may also be performed in coordination with a tooth extraction or the placement of dental implants.
What can I expect after having a bone graft?
After having a bone graft, you can expect some minor swelling and discomfort for a few days. Although the incision site will heal quickly in about two weeks, the underlying bone will take much longer to heal. In fact, it takes an average of 3-6 for the bone graft to yield new bone growth and harden. During your recovery period, Dr. Matin will provide you with specialized instructions to follow. For the best treatment outcomes, it is important to follow these instructions.
