Bone Grafting A bone graft can be used in various ways. Whether a patient has suffered bone loss due to a traumatic injury to the jaw or whether it is because the patient suffers from periodontal disease, a bone graft can help rebuild lost bone mass. Patients may notice pain due to shifting teeth and misalignment of their jaw which may require a bone graft to help rebuild their jawbones. Feel free to talk to us at Mission Hills Periodontics to discuss the options we have available.Bone Graft UsesTaking healthy bone from either the patient's body, a cadaver, or even, in some cases, an equine, the bone graft is placed in the affected location within the oral cavity. The graft then becomes integrated with the existing tissue of the patient. Once it becomes bonded, the process promotes bone growth and the lost bone mass can be regained. It also gives some patients who previously would not meet the criterion a chance to have dental implants. If a patient has too little bone structure to support implants, they are simply not given the chance to have them applied. A bone graft gives them more options with regard to their treatment. If no organic bone can be donated, synthetic material, designed to simulate natural bone, can be used. It can jumpstart new bone growth in jawbones. This is used as a base material from which new bone can grow, increasing mass and strength in order to support dental implants. Types of Bone GraftsThere are different types of grafts, though the two most widely used are allografts and autografts. Used for different reasons, each patient will have to be assessed to determine which type of graft would best suit them. When cadaver bone is used, it is called an allograft. The bone is harvested and sterilized before being stored in a tissue bank for use when needed. When living tissue is taken from the patient, it is called an autograft. The most common sites used include the ribs or hip. The autograft is the most widely used type. Each graft is dependent upon the needs of the patient and is determined by our professionals. The most popular of the two types is the allograft. They have the lowest possibility of infection and patient rejection of the grafted tissue. It also takes less time to complete. Who Could Benefit?Any patient who has had chronic pain in their jaw or has been diagnosed with TMD or TMJ complications could benefit from a bone graft procedure. When there is pain associated with speaking and chewing, or there is noticeable swelling along the jaw, the patient could be a prime candidate for this procedure. The bone graft can be placed in the actual jaw socket and be used to promote bone growth to repair the lost function of the jaw. Any patient who has been diagnosed with periodontal disease and suffered from bone resorption can benefit from this procedure. To get answers to your questions contact us at Mission Hills Periodontics. We can provide all the information necessary to make an informed decision regarding this procedure. Call us at (619) 356-5989 for an appointment. |
