{"id":446,"date":"2023-03-17T07:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T07:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drgaryb.com\/?p=446"},"modified":"2024-01-17T07:21:44","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T07:21:44","slug":"bone-grafting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drgaryb.com\/bone-grafting\/","title":{"rendered":"Bone Grafting"},"content":{"rendered":"

The alveolar ridges are thickened ridges of bone on the upper and lower jaws. Teeth fit into sockets in these ridges, where they are held securely in place by periodontal ligaments. If the alveolar bone loses volume and density, that secure attachment is compromised. Bone grafting is a common surgical procedure which replaces and repairs damaged bone.<\/p>\n

Bone loss in the jaw can have serious consequences for your dental health. Bone loss leads to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Teeth shift, affecting your bite. Lack of bone density makes the placement of dental implants or implant-supported dentures impossible. Further, facial muscles and features lose structural support, causing a sunken appearance in the lips, cheeks, and chin.<\/p>\n

Conditions that Cause Bone Loss<\/h2>\n

Resorption<\/strong><\/p>\n

When a tooth is lost, the bone ridge under the missing tooth gradually begins to shrink, a process called resorption. Without the stimulation of biting and chewing, new bone cells aren\u2019t produced quickly enough to replace older bone tissue.<\/p>\n

Periodontitis<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gum disease<\/a> is progressive, and a leading cause of tooth loss. Left untreated, periodontitis causes gum recession, exposing bone and connective tissue to destructive bacteria and infection.<\/p>\n

Trauma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bone damage caused by trauma might require bone replacement or recontouring.<\/p>\n

Bone Structure and Size<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes the alveolar ridge is too narrow or shallow to support an implant, especially in the back of the upper jaw near the sinus cavity. In this case, the bone will need to be built up before an implant can be placed.<\/p>\n

Bone Graft Procedure<\/h2>\n

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\nbone graft To prevent bone loss from affecting your quality of life, your dentist might recommend a bone graft. During this procedure, grafting material is implanted in the damaged area, where it serves as a platform for your own bone tissue to regenerate and restore bone volume and density.<\/p>\n

There are several types of grafting material, and your dentist can help you choose the type of graft which will work best for you.<\/p>\n