What Are Bone Grafts for?

When it comes to your oral health, your jawbone plays a bigger role than you might think. A strong jawbone doesn’t just support your teeth—it also maintains the shape of your face and helps keep your smile healthy. But sometimes, whether due to tooth loss, gum disease, or other factors, the jawbone can weaken or shrink over time. This is where bone grafting comes in.

At Blue Plum Dental in Johnson City, TN, we often recommend bone grafts to restore jawbone health and prepare for procedures like dental implants. Let’s explore what bone grafts are and why they might be the next step for your smile.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a procedure where additional bone material is added to areas of your jaw that have lost density. The new bone can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Autograft: Bone is taken from another area of your own body, such as the chin or hip. This method has a high success rate since it uses your own tissue.
• Allograft: Bone is sourced from a human donor. It’s sterilized and safe for use, offering an effective alternative to using your own bone.
• Xenograft: Bone comes from an animal source, typically bovine (cow). It provides a strong framework for your body to regenerate bone around.
• Alloplast: This uses synthetic materials designed to mimic natural bone. It’s a great option for patients who prefer not to use human or animal sources.

Why Would Someone Need a Bone Graft?

Dental Implants: If you’re planning to replace missing teeth with dental implants, you need sufficient bone density to securely hold the implant. A bone graft can make this possible.

Tooth Loss: When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area can begin to shrink over time. Bone grafting helps rebuild the bone to preserve your facial structure and prevent future oral health problems.

Gum Disease: Severe gum disease can lead to bone loss around your teeth. Bone grafts can help restore the bone, improving oral health and saving surrounding teeth.

Injury or Trauma: Accidents or injuries can sometimes damage the jawbone, requiring grafting to repair and rebuild it.

What Happens After a Bone Graft?

Once the bone graft is placed, the process of osseointegration begins. This is where your natural bone fuses with the graft material, creating a solid and healthy foundation. Osseointegration can take a few months, but it’s crucial for ensuring the long-term success of dental implants or other restorative treatments.

Restoring Smiles at Blue Plum Dental in Johnson City, TN

Bone grafts play a vital role in restoring and maintaining oral health, making it possible to enjoy a strong, functional smile. At Blue Plum Dental, Dr. David Miranda and Dr. Mead Lyons specialize in providing personalized care, including bone grafts when needed. If you’re in Johnson City, TN, and have questions about bone health or dental procedures, contact us today. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy and strong for years to come!

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Categorised in: Restorative Dentistry