Compassionate Bone Graft Services for Westport, Norwalk, & Stamford, CT
After a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone associated with the missing teeth begins to atrophy and can be reabsorbed. This can cause a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants and must consider alternatives to help them manage their tooth loss.
At Premier Oral Surgery, we now have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. If the bone under your gum is not tall enough, not wide enough, or both, bone grafts can add bone to your jaw in order to help make the area more suitable for dental implants. This procedure not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width but, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance. With offices in Branford and Norwalk, CT, at Premier Oral Surgery, our oral surgeon can set up a consultation to help you understand the benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
Ask Our Oral Surgeon If Bone Grafts Are Right For You
Bone grafts are another way of approaching bone augmentation. This term describes a variety of procedures used to “build” bone so that dental implants can be placed. Bone graft procedures typically involve grafting (adding) bone or bone-like materials to the jaw. The graft can be your own bone or be processed bone (off the shelf) obtained from a cadaver. Once the procedure is finished, it may take several months for the grafted material to fuse with the existing bone. Healing time can vary on a number of factors including placement of the dental implants and the area of the jaw that needs support. We recommend that our patients speak to our oral surgeon to decide which procedure will have the best results depending on their unique case. Types of different bone graft procedures include:
Sinus lift procedure: This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing dental implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.
Ridge-augmentation: In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width to make them more suitable for dental implants.
Nerve- repositioning: This procedure is needed when the inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual’s condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.
At Premier Oral Surgery, our experienced oral surgeon can perform bone grafts for patients throughout Stamford, Westport, and Norwalk, CT as an in-office procedure under local anesthesia or in a surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for up to one week.
What is the Healing Process?
Everyone heals differently after a bone augmentation procedure. When you leave our office, you will be given antibiotics, pain medication, and an antibacterial mouthwash. You will be asked to avoid certain foods and will be told how to avoid putting pressure on the area while it heals. If you wear a denture, you may not be able to wear it for a month or longer while the jaw area heals. If you have natural teeth near the bone graft, your dentist may make a temporary removable bridge.
Bone grafts can take about six to nine months to heal before dental implants can be placed. At that time, our oral surgeon will have you return to the office and the titanium screws used to anchor the bone block in place will be removed before the implant is placed. For more information on bone grafts for dental implants in CT, contact our office in Norwalk, CT today and let our oral surgeon help you improve the health and function of your smile.
Call Premier Oral Surgery to learn more about bone grafts.