Bone Grafting
Rebuilding a healthy smile requires more than just maintaining healthy teeth. It also entails maintaining healthy gums and a strong jawbone. In St. Augustine, FL, bone grafting is a vital procedure for restoring and preserving the integrity of the jawbone.
The jawbones play a crucial role in holding teeth in place. However, tooth loss, whether caused by gum disease or decay, can lead to jawbone recession. This poses a significant problem since a healthy jawbone is necessary for successful dental implant placement, denture fitting, or partial denture use.
Bone grafting is a commonly used technique to reconstruct the bone and restore the missing tooth’s socket in order to maintain the alveolar ridge’s width and height. This gum ridge, located either on the roof of the mouth between the upper teeth and the hard palate or at the bottom of the mouth behind the lower teeth, is essential for proper dental functioning.
There are various situations where bone grafting in St. Augustine is performed, including:
- Bone Grafting After an Extraction:
If you need a tooth extraction, our dedicated team at Coast Dental Anastasia Island in St. Augustine can perform a simple bone graft during the same visit. By filling the extraction site with freeze-dried human bone granules, resembling sand, we can preserve the bone and prevent resorption. A thin membrane and sutures may be used to secure the area. Healing typically takes four to six weeks, after which we can provide initial treatments for complete or partial dentures. For those seeking a more natural-looking and long-lasting solution, dental implant restorative treatment can commence within four to six months. - Bone Grafting After Mild Bone Loss:
When a tooth has been missing for an extended period, significant bone resorption may have occurred. In such cases, our experienced dentists will address larger bony defects by utilizing a combination of freeze-dried bone and a portion of your own bone from another section of your mouth or body. A membrane and sutures will be employed to facilitate proper healing and acceptance of the graft by your body. Although the procedure requires two incisions, the use of your own bone increases the likelihood of a successful graft. - Bone Grafting After Extensive Bone Loss:
Extensive bone loss resulting from periodontal disease or long-term tooth loss calls for more substantial bone grafts. At Coast Dental Anastasia Island, we use a combination of materials, including your own bone, freeze-dried bone from a donor, animal bone, or synthetic bone substitutes, to rebuild the jawbone. The graft acts as a scaffold, promoting the attachment and generation of new bone cells. The healing time varies depending on the extent of the grafting required. Once the area is fully healed, our skilled dentists or specialists can proceed with dental implant placement or denture fabrication, restoring your smile.
Bone grafting in St. Augustine offers many benefits. By restoring the jawbone’s height and width, you gain more options for replacing missing teeth. Failure to replace a missing tooth can lead to bite problems, cavities, and periodontal disease. Opting for a dental implant, which can last a lifetime, ensures a natural look and feel while preserving the bone and maintaining a youthful jawline. Dental implants can also provide support for bridgework or dentures, significantly enhancing your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Additionally, bone grafting can improve the fit of dentures by building up the alveolar ridge. Ill-fitting dentures can cause pain and discomfort. Our bone grafting techniques, combined with our expertise in denture placement, guarantee a beautiful and comfortable restoration.
At Coast Dental Anastasia Island, we value your oral health and strive to provide exceptional care. Schedule your appointment today by calling (904) 471-3291. Our dedicated team looks forward to assisting you in achieving the smile you desire through our advanced bone grafting in St. Augustine.
