Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction: What to Expect
Some dental procedures may sound more uncomfortable and daunting than others. However, as dentists, we can assure you that they are all worthwhile to help restore your teeth and improve your smile. We want to give you beautiful, quality results at Oasispark Dental.
What is bone grafting?
When a tooth has been removed, the extracted root creates an opening. Consequently, your supporting bone underneath will gradually collapse, and you will, over time, lose bone. Bone grafting in Newmarket, ON, is a surgical procedure that establishes more support for a dental implant by replacing jaw bone missing from that opening, created by an extracted tooth.
As much as 40% of the original bone in your mouth may be lost in as little as six months after extraction and continues to deteriorate with time. When bone loss reaches a level where dental implants are not possible, we use bone grafting to rebuild bone to anchor a dental implant or replacement tooth in your mouth.
Contact our Newmarket dental practice today to learn more about this procedure. We look forward to hearing from you! Call or email and schedule an appointment right away.
The grafting procedure
Your dentist may recommend bone grafting in Newmarket, ON, before proceeding with a dental restoration treatment. If you do not have sufficient bone to place an implant, we will need to create more artificially. We take the following careful steps:
- Cut your gums to make a flap.
- Pull back the new flap to expose the bone underneath.
- Place a bone substitute made of either synthetic, animal, donated, or bone from another area of your body to fill the bone loss areas.
- Use a membrane to cover the area, prevent your gums from growing into the spaces, and keep the shape of the new bone we placed.
- Place the flap back to cover the area and stitch it into place.
- Wait until the membrane resorbs, which depends on the type of bone graft used. The bone will typically mature within 6 to 10 weeks.
Once we place the graft, your body will remove the fill in the area with its new bone. This results in bone regeneration and a strong foundation for a dental restoration, i.e. a replacement tooth to help complete your smile. Successful bone regeneration also works to restore normal spacing between your teeth and the attached gum tissue.
Why do we do it?
There may be a few different treatments required from start to finish when it comes to dental restorations. Bone grafting in Newmarket, ON, is a crucial step involved if you do not have enough bone in your mouth to support and hold a crown, bridge, or denture. With this additional procedure, we can help give you the beautiful teeth you have probably always wanted.
Enter our dental oasis in Newmarket and discover our friendly and welcoming team! Contact us today to book your appointment.
Bone Grafting FAQ
How painful is a bone graft?
The level of pain experienced during a bone graft procedure in Newmarket can vary from person to person. During the procedure, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you should not feel any pain. However, some patients may experience discomfort or soreness after the procedure, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by your Newmarket dentist. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions to minimize discomfort and promote healing.
Is dental bone grafting worth it?
Dental bone grafting in Newmarket is often worth it for patients who require additional bone volume to support dental implants or other restorative procedures. By augmenting the jawbone with bone graft material, patients can achieve better stability and long-term success with their dental implants. While bone grafting adds time and cost to the overall treatment process, the benefits of improved oral health and restored function are often considered worth the investment. Consulting with your Newmarket dentist will help determine if bone grafting is the right option for your dental needs.
Why is bone grafting so expensive?
The cost of bone grafting in Newmarket can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of bone graft material used, the complexity of the procedure, and the expertise of the dental provider. Bone grafting involves meticulous surgical techniques and specialized materials, which contribute to the overall cost. Additionally, the procedure often requires multiple appointments and thorough follow-up care to ensure successful integration of the graft material with the existing bone. While bone grafting may seem expensive upfront, it can ultimately save patients money by improving the long-term success of dental treatments such as implants.
Does bone grafting have side effects?
- Pain or discomfort: Mild to moderate soreness or discomfort is common after bone grafting surgery but can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Swelling and bruising: Some swelling and bruising around the surgical site are normal and should resolve within a few days.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection following bone grafting surgery. Your Newmarket dentist will provide instructions on how to minimize this risk and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
- Delayed healing: In some cases, the bone graft may take longer to integrate with the existing bone, leading to delayed healing. Your dentist will monitor your progress closely and provide guidance on how to support optimal healing. It’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions you have about bone grafting with your Newmarket dentist before undergoing the procedure.