If you’ve been told you need a bone graft to support a dental implant or improve your jaw function, we can help. Our expert team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons use cutting-edge techniques to add bone tissue to your jaw and create a strong foundation. Trust in our specialist skills and gentle approach for the best results.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone tissue to your jaw to aid the successful placement of dental implants. If you have been missing a tooth for a while, the bone naturally begins to degrade and disappear, making dental implant treatment more difficult. At OS Head and Neck, we welcome referrals for simple to complex bone grafts.
There are several benefits to a bone graft:
Provides a stable base for dental implants to fuse with
Improves jaw function and the ability to eat and speak
Supports your facial structure and prevents sagging
Stops your jawbone from deteriorating further
Initially, we see you for a consultation. We assess your mouth, ask you a little about your medical and oral history, and make sure that a bone graft is suitable for you. We discuss the procedure in detail and give you the chance to ask any questions.
In most cases, we use local anaesthetic to numb the area in your mouth, although general anaesthetic is required in some situations. We use synthetic bone, or bone that has been harvested from another area of your jaw and carefully place this in the area of bone loss.
When complete, we use surgical stitches to close your gum. We give you detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth during your recovery time, which will vary depending on your individual case.
A consultation with our experienced surgeon will determine if bone grafting is the right option for you. Factors considered include your overall health, the amount of bone loss, and your specific dental needs.
As with any surgery, bone grafting carries some potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, and discomfort. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation.
The duration of the bone grafting procedure depends on the complexity of the case. Your surgeon will provide you with an estimated timeframe during your consultation.
You may experience some discomfort following the procedure. However, your surgeon will prescribe medication to manage any pain.
The recovery time for bone grafting varies depending on the individual. Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to promote healing.
There are several types of bone grafts available. We will discuss the most suitable option for your case based on factors like the amount of bone needed and the location of the graft.