Dental implants are among the best and leading forms of tooth replacement offered by our dentist in Bayside, NY. They are currently regarded as the number one option for tooth replacement because a tooth implant replaces the root and crown of the missing tooth.
A dental implant consists of a titanium bit that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as the root. Then, a customized crown is fitted onto the titanium rod to replace the crown of the missing tooth.
The success of this replacement procedure depends entirely on the health and density of your jaw bone. In some cases, if you have to undergo this procedure and your jaw bone cannot hold an implant, our dentist in Bayside, NY, may recommend bone grafting.
So what exactly is a bone graft?
Bone Graft, In a Nutshell
A bone graft is a surgical procedure our dentist performs to reconstitute or rebuild bone tissue and structure. This is achieved by grafting healthy bone tissue on the depleted or weakened bone to rebuild it and reinforce it enough to hold a dental implant.
Bone grafting near you is utilized daily to help patients who want to receive dental implants but have deteriorated bone health. During this procedure, our dentist will make an incision at your exposing the bone underneath. The healthy bone tissue obtained from your own body, an animal, or synthetic material is then grafted onto the affected bone.
After some time, your bone heals, creating new cells around the graft, and within no time, you have a repaired bone structure that can hold your new dental implant.
What Are Some Types of Bone Grafts?
There are several types or forms of bone grafting procedures. Here are some of the most common bone grafting procedures you might encounter performed by our Dentist in Bayside, NY:
Socket Graft
When you undergo tooth loss, a certain bone known as the alveolar begins to atrophy. A socket graft is performed to prevent this bone atrophy. In this case, healthy human bone tissue is obtained and placed within the missing tooth’s socket, and this is done to prevent the socket from collapsing.
Sinus Lift
If you lose molars on your upper jaw, you may be recommended for this type of bone grafting. This is because the molars are situated right below the sinus, and once you lose these particular teeth, the sinus tends to shift downward to occupy the vacant space left by the missing teeth. This procedure can help prevent this eventuality.
Block Bone Graft
This type of bone graft is performed if you have major defects or deterioration in your jawbone. In this case, the dentist obtains a healthy portion of bone, ideally from the rear section of your jaw, and uses this to correct any defects found within your jawbone.
Lateral Ridge Preservation Graft
Whenever you undergo tooth loss, an unprotected ridge is left behind. It is done to prevent or minimize bone shrinkage. The obtained bone tissue is placed on the ridge to prevent its deterioration or atrophy.
When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?
Bone grafting is recommended if your alveolar bone has deteriorated or atrophied or if it is not ample enough to hold a dental implant. This can be brought about by a number of reasons such as:
- Prevalent gum disease
- Developmental defects
- Facial injuries or trauma
- Tooth loss that is left unchecked for a long time
What Should You Do After a Bone Graft?
You should take several measures after undergoing a bone grafting procedure to ensure you heal up quickly and correctly as you should. These measures will help ensure that the grafted bone material stays intact and is not dislodged as you heal.
Some of the key measures you should observe are:
- Avoid disturbing the graft site using your tongue or fingers in any way
- Avoid smoking if possible for at least two weeks after undergoing the procedure to facilitate proper healing
- Do not lift your lip or try to touch the sutures within the graft site, as this can tear up the sutures or disturb the healing site
- Avoid spitting or vigorous rinsing for at least two days after the procedure
- Take any medications prescribed
- Get lots of rest and avoid strenuous physical activity immediately after undergoing the procedure
If you need to get a dental implant and are unsure about your bone health, do not hesitate to reach out to us. At Bayside Family Dentistry, we will ensure that your smile is restored.
