Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to restore and regenerate lost bone in the jaw. This technique is often necessary for patients who have suffered bone loss due to periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth extraction. By adding bone or bone-like materials to the jaw, bone grafting creates a stable foundation for dental restorations such as implants or bridges. In Fresno, CA, Dr. Zaruhi Shahbazyan, DDS, uses advanced bone grafting techniques to help patients regain their oral health and prepare for successful dental implant procedures.
A dental bone graft involves transplanting bone tissue to areas of the jaw where bone loss has occurred. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s oral health and the extent of bone loss. The dentist or oral surgeon will then choose the appropriate type of graft material. There are several types of graft materials used, including:
Bone taken from another part of the patient’s body, usually the hip or another part of the jaw.
Donor bone from a human tissue bank.
Bone from an animal source, typically bovine.
Synthetic bone graft materials.
The chosen graft material is carefully placed into the area where bone regeneration is needed. This can be done through a small incision in the gum tissue. The bone graft acts as a scaffold, allowing new bone cells to grow and integrate with the existing bone over time. This process, known as osseointegration, can take several months. During this period, the grafted area will gradually become stronger and more capable of supporting a dental implant or other restoration.
Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridge work and dental implants. For patients who do not have enough healthy bone to support a dental implant, bone grafting provides a solution by rebuilding the bone structure. This is crucial because dental implants require a solid foundation to ensure stability and longevity. Without sufficient bone volume, implants may fail to integrate properly, leading to complications.
In cases where a tooth has been missing for an extended period, the jawbone in that area can shrink or deteriorate. This bone loss can make it difficult to place an implant directly. Bone grafting addresses this issue by regenerating the bone, thus creating a suitable site for implant placement. By restoring bone volume, patients can benefit from secure and long-lasting dental implants, which in turn improve function, aesthetics, and overall oral health.
Jaw bone volume shrinkage, also known as bone resorption, can occur for several reasons:
When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation to the jawbone in that area can cause the bone to shrink over time. The roots of natural teeth provide constant stimulation to the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. Without this stimulation, the bone begins to deteriorate and resorb, leading to significant changes in the jaw structure over time.
Chronic infection and inflammation of the gums, known as periodontal disease, can lead to the destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. This condition starts with the gums and, if left untreated, progresses to the bone, causing it to break down. The bacterial infection not only affects the soft tissues but also compromises the jawbone's integrity, resulting in bone loss.
Accidents or injuries that damage the jawbone can result in bone loss. This can occur due to physical trauma such as fractures or severe impacts to the face and jaw. The damage from these incidents can disrupt the bone structure and lead to resorption if not properly treated and stabilized promptly.
Severe dental infections can compromise the integrity of the bone. Infections that reach the bone, such as abscesses or osteomyelitis, can cause significant damage. The inflammatory response and the presence of bacteria can lead to the destruction of bone tissue, necessitating surgical intervention to repair and restore the affected area.
Some individuals may have congenital bone deficiencies or deformities that affect jawbone volume. These developmental defects can result in insufficient bone density or abnormal bone structures, which may require corrective procedures such as bone grafting to ensure proper function and aesthetics of the jaw.
Wearing dentures for a long period can result in bone loss due to the lack of direct stimulation to the jawbone. Dentures rest on the gums and do not provide the necessary stimulation that natural teeth roots do. Over time, this can lead to resorption of the underlying bone, making the jawbone thinner and less robust.
A bone graft may be necessary for several reasons:
To create a stable foundation for the placement of dental implants. Bone grafting is essential when there is not enough natural bone to support an implant. By augmenting the bone, the graft provides a secure base for the implant, ensuring its success and longevity.
To preserve the jawbone after a tooth extraction and prevent future bone loss. Following an extraction, a bone graft can be placed in the socket to maintain the bone's volume and density, preventing resorption and preparing the area for a potential future implant.
To repair and regenerate bone that has been lost due to severe gum disease. Bone grafting can help restore the bone structure affected by periodontal disease, improve the stability of remaining teeth and enhance overall oral health.
To restore bone lost due to facial trauma or injury. Bone grafting can reconstruct areas of the jaw that have been damaged, ensuring proper function and appearance. This procedure is crucial for patients who have suffered significant bone loss due to accidents or other traumatic events.
To correct developmental defects or congenital bone deficiencies. Bone grafting can address abnormalities in the jawbone structure, providing a more natural and functional dental framework. This is particularly important for patients with congenital conditions affecting their bone density or shape.
To add bone in the upper jaw for patients requiring implants in the back upper jaw where the sinus cavity is too close to the jaw for implants to be placed. A sinus lift elevates the sinus membrane and places a bone graft to create sufficient space and support for dental implants in this region.
After a dental bone graft, the initial recovery period typically lasts a few weeks. During this time, patients may experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding at the graft site. These symptoms are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication and ice packs. The dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions, including:
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, but care should be taken to avoid disturbing the graft site.
A soft food diet is often recommended to avoid putting pressure on the graft area.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the graft is integrating well with the existing bone.
Over the next few months, the bone graft will gradually fuse with the natural bone, creating a solid foundation for dental implants or other restorations.
After bone graft surgery, it’s important to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medications.
Significant swelling that worsens instead of improving.
Persistent or heavy bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
Symptoms such as fever, increased redness, or discharge from the graft site.
If the graft material becomes exposed or dislodged.
Any signs of difficulty breathing or swallowing should be addressed immediately.
At Shahbazyan Dental Studio, we understand that bone grafting is a significant investment in your oral health, and we are committed to making this procedure accessible for all patients. To accommodate various financial needs, we offer flexible financing options, including our in-house dental savings plan, which provides substantial discounts for those without insurance. Additionally, we accept multiple payment methods, such as cash, checks, and all major credit cards (AMEX, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). For those requiring extended financing, we partner with trusted providers to offer manageable payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost over time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make bone grafting an affordable option for you.
Our non-insurance patients have the option of signing up for our in-house dental savings plan, bringing an affordable option to those without insurance.
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To accommodate all our patients, we accept a variety of payment methods. This includes Cash, Checks as well as all major Debit & Credit Cards including AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We also accept debit cards.
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CEREC Technology allows us to provide our patients with Same Day Restorations.
No more messy impression materials or hassle with annoying temporaries! CAD/CAM Technology offers our patients the opportunity to have a beautiful restoration designed, fabricated and delivered in a single appointment! Here’s how:
Using, CEREC Technology, we are able to take a photo scan of your tooth with a special laser camera that safely captures the anatomy of the prepared tooth and renders it as a 3-dimensional image.
We then customizes your crown, inlay or onlay using your digital “impression” and 3D imaging software while you relax with a magazine or music headphones.
After the doctor approves the final design, the CEREC milling system employs CAD/CAM technology to shape your restoration from a high-strength, metal-free ceramic or composite block in a shade to match your smile. This eliminates the repeat visit after sending the impression off to a lab, as this is now able to be done right in the office while you are in the chair!
Bone grafting is generally safe, but it does have some rare risks, such as: Infection. Bleeding. Blood clot.
A dental bone graft can make you sick if bacteria enter your bloodstream. This happens when there is a break in the soft tissue around your mouth.
Bone grafting is possible because bone tissue has the ability to regenerate completely if provided the space into which it has to grow. As natural bone grows, it generally replaces the graft material completely, resulting in a fully integrated region of new bone.
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