Bone Grafting
Fort Lauderdale, FL
 What does bone grafting have to do with periodontists and treating gum disease? After all, bone and the soft tissue of gums are very different anatomically. Unfortunately, the bacteria that cause gum disease do not see this distinction, and they attack bone just as much as they attack gums. In fact, most bone loss in the face is actually a consequence of gum disease. Florida Smiles Dental uses bone grafting to restore this lost bone.
How Bone Grafting Works
Bone grafting is a very simple and well-understood concept. Using a sample of new bone, we create a “scaffold” that your body will use to grow brand new bone. Over time, this scaffold will be completely replaced by your new, natural and healthy bone. Depending on where the bone that needs to be replaced is and how much needs to be replaced, we may perform one of a variety of grafts, such as a socket graft, ridge augmentation, or sinus lift.
Why We Use Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is used first and foremost to restore bone that has been lost to gum disease. As you lose more and more bone, your teeth will start to wiggle around in your mouth and eventually begin to fall out. Your face will look much older than it actually is because there is nothing to support your features. It will become difficult to eat and may even cause speech impediments. And without a strong jawbone, you cannot receive dental implants to replace teeth that fell out due to gum disease.
Types of Bone Grafts
Generally speaking, you have the option of one of four different types of bone grafts. An autograft is often the preferred method, as this uses your body’s very own bone, only taken from another part of the body. Autografts are not always an option as this requires an extra surgery. Allografts and xenografts take living bone from other subjects, humans and animals, respectively. Alloplasts use synthetic bone that is actually grown in a lab. Allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts are all widely available with proven histories of use, but are not quite as fast or effective at growing new bone as an autograft.
How Does a Bone Grafting Treatment Work?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure so you will require a level of anesthesia. Typically, local anesthetic is sufficient, though we can discuss stronger options. We make a slit in your gums so that we can add the graft material to the bone beneath. Recovering from this procedure is relatively quick, often only a few days, but it can take much longer for the new bone to finish growing, up to six months or more.
Do You Need Bone Grafting?
Whether you are currently dealing with gum disease or have suffered from gum disease in the past, bone grafting may be able to help restore your diminished bone mass. Florida Smiles Dental is happy to answer any questions you have about the methods and materials of bone grafting that we offer to you. Call 754-354-0363 to learn more. |
