Bone Grafts in Phoenix

Reasons for a Bone Graft

As previously mentioned, dental implants are commonly supported by bone grafts. But why is this necessary? A dental implant is essentially a small titanium screw that acts as the root for a prosthetic tooth. For the implant to be successful, there needs to be an adequate amount of bone in the jaw to support it. If the jawbone is too soft or thin, the implant may fail. The success of implants is largely due to a process called osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. Bone grafting helps facilitate this fusion by promoting the growth of new, healthy bone in the jaw. Essentially, a bone graft allows us to place an implant in a situation where it would have been previously impossible.

If you have jaw abnormalities that affect your appearance, we may suggest a bone graft. This is also true if you want to maintain a more youthful look. When we lose a tooth, our jawbone can deteriorate. A bone graft prevents this deterioration and, once the implant is placed, it also helps preserve the bone, resulting in a more youthful facial structure.

Bone Grafting Procedure

A bone graft involves the transfer of bone from one location to another, below the gum tissue. This can be done using bone from the patient, another person, an animal (usually a cow), or artificial materials. The choice of source depends on the specific case. Once the source is determined, we can proceed with the appropriate treatment plan. Although most grafting treatments are similar, the approach may vary depending on the location, condition of the bone, and time since tooth loss.

Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, will make a small cut in the gum tissue, revealing the bone that supports your teeth, as part of the procedure. To ensure a painless experience, local anesthesia is typically applied beforehand. Once the bone is exposed, Dr. Rifkin will place graft material onto the area that requires new bone growth. In some cases, synthetic proteins or collagen membranes may be placed over the graft to enhance the regeneration process and expedite healing.

Once your procedure is finished, you may only feel slight pain or discomfort, which can typically be relieved by over-the-counter medications. It is important to avoid consuming any foods that may irritate the affected area during the initial few days. Additionally, we might provide you with a prescription for antibiotics to prevent any potential infections.

After placing the graft material, it will stimulate the growth of new bone. In the following months, your bone will progressively grow, become denser, and integrate the graft material. Once the material has been fully absorbed, we can proceed with any further treatment, such as dental implant surgery.