Why bone grafting might be recommended by your dentist
Bone grafting is one way to rebuild the bone of the jaw. Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser of Melville, NY, may recommend bone grafting procedures to patients who may benefit from them.
What is a bone graft?
A bone graft is described as a surgical procedure in which new bone material is placed into an area where there has been the loss of bone. The new bone can be taken from another area of your body (autograft), from a donor (allograft), or it can be created synthetically in a laboratory (xenograft).
Why might I need a bone graft?
There are several different reasons why your dentist might recommend a bone graft.
- Gum disease. If you have suffered from periodontal disease, this can lead to bone loss around the teeth. A bone graft can help to improve the stability of the teeth and reduce the risk of further damage.
- Missing teeth. If you are missing teeth, the bone graft can help to make it easier to place dental implants. Dental implants require a certain amount of natural bone present in order to be successful, so if there has been significant bone loss in the area, a graft may be needed.
- Facial contouring. A bone graft can also be used to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have suffered from injury or have had surgery that has resulted in bone loss, a bone graft can help restore the normal contours of your face.
What are the risks of bone grafting?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with bone grafting. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling and bruising
- Nerve damage
- Allergic reaction to the graft material
- Failure of the graft to fuse with the host bone
However, these risks are typically very low and can be minimized by working with an experienced and well-qualified dental team.
How do I learn more about bone grafting?
Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser and their team at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island in Melville, NY, can educate you further on the benefits of bone grafting for your smile! Contact the office at 631-423-6767 to request an appointment and find out if you are a good candidate for the bone grafting procedure.
