You may be wondering what bone grafting is and why or when it is done on a patient. This is a very complex and serious procedure that is only done in special circumstances.
If you suspect that you may need bone grafting done, you should always bring that up with your personal dentist. They should know whether or not this is a procedure that you may need.
If you do need this surgical procedure, your dentist will most likely be the one to bring it up first. They will be able to determine if it is something that you may need.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone or repairs damaged or fractured bone. It is an extremely complex procedure that is only done when completely necessary.
This is because bone grafting can be a risky surgery. If the bone fails to heal or heals incorrectly, you could face a serious health risk.
It also involves a lengthy recovery period as the grafted bone needs time to fuse with the bone in your mouth. The graft will also need to be checked regularly by your dentist to ensure everything is healing properly.
The area where the bone was taken will also need time to heal after the extraction. Donor bone is often taken from the skull, hip, or knee.
Why do people get bone grafting done?
People usually need to get a bone graft done if they have missing or damaged areas of their jaw. The jaw is a major bone and has to be working correctly in order for you to be able to do basic things, such as eat, talk, and move your mouth.
This procedure may also need to be done if a cavity has left extra space after extraction or if gum disease has caused significant damage.
Many different kinds of injuries can cause the need for bone grafting, as well. If there is lost bone or there has been deterioration as a result of the injury, a bone graft may be required to repair that area of the jaw.
Conclusion
If you think that you may need a bone graft, talk to your dentist about it. They will be able to help you decide if this is a surgery that you may need. At Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we’re happy to help you make that decision – just give us a call today!