If you are planning on undergoing dental restorations such as permanent bridgework or dental implants, it’s important that the implant site (the jawbone) has sufficient height, depth, and width. If the jawbone has receded or sustained significant damage, it won’t be able to support the restoration.
Bone grafting is recommended for these situations to ensure a stable foundation. Even if no restoration work is planned, a bone graft may be needed to limit or preserve further bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.
There are several types of bone grafts. Your dentist at Harmony Dental in Pearland will determine which one is most appropriate for your needs.
– bone is used from the patient’s own body; preferred method because it has the most predictable results
– uses bone from another donor; the bone has been cleaned and stored in a tissue bank.
– uses cow bone; xenograft bone grafts are often the most used in modern dentistry because the animal bone absorbs well with your natural bone.
The bone grafting procedure can take several months to complete. The bone is taken from its source and is placed at the desired site. The new bone will then be left to fuse and unite with the existing bone.
Bone grafting is not always required for patients who are about to receive dental implants. To see if you’re a candidate for a bone graft, book an appointment with one of our offices for a consultation today!