Dental bone grafting is often an essential procedure following tooth extraction. It can also be crucial to complete before performing restorative procedures like dental implantation.
The four main types of bone grafting patients can benefit from include:
Dental Bone Grafting Type 1: Socket Preservation
When an adult tooth is extracted, the jawbone begins the healing process by dissolving the alveolar ridge, the strip of bone found at the tooth’s root. However, this ridge is an essential component that cannot be replaced if it disappears.
Oral surgeons can perform socket preservation, a type of dental bone graft, after a tooth extraction to conserve the alveolar ridge and prepare the site for dental implants. Your surgeon will insert particulate grafting material into the socket, completely filling the site and encouraging cells to regrow bone in that area predictably and efficiently.
Dental Bone Grafting Type 2: Ridge Bone Grafting
Particulate or ridge bone grafting is a technique oral surgeons use if a tooth has been missing for quite some time. As mentioned, the alveolar ridge wastes away over time following a tooth extraction, but it is necessary for restorative procedures like dental implants.
Your surgeon will use grafting material, often synthetic particulate bone, to pack into the grafting site. Once enough grafting material is applied, the site will be stitched up, and the healing process will begin. Patients can expect 4-6 months of healing before other restorative procedures are performed.
Dental Bone Grafting Type 3: Block Bone Grafting
Block bone grafting is an option surgeons use when particulate grafting material cannot suffice. Severe bone loss can occur after conditions like:
- Facial trauma
- Misaligned jaws
- Periodontitis
- Temporomandibular disorder
Bone tissue from other areas of the body (typically the leg or hip) is collected and placed in the dental site. Over a period of 4-6 months, the dental area accepts the graft, restoring the quality and quantity of the bone.
Dental Bone Grafting Type 4: Large-Volume Bone Grafting
Significant trauma or major medical conditions can harm large areas of the jawbone. In these cases, typical grafting precures are inadequate. Your surgeon will create an action plan involving more extensive grafting procedures requiring bone extraction from areas like the hip, tibia, or calvarium (top region of the skull).
If you need dental bone grafting, turn to Athens Oral Surgery Center.
Dr. Tomlinson can perform successful bone grafting procedures based on your needs and desired outcomes. Schedule an appointment with our team to discuss how we can help restore your jawbone health: 706-549-5033
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