We go to great lengths to ensure that all patients feel comfortable and pain-free while undergoing any dental procedure.
Before getting dental implants, our Jacksonville, NC, periodontist Dr. Jose Arauz needs to check the health and integrity of the jawbone. In some cases, bone grafting is needed to rebuild and strengthen the jawbone before being able to place a dental implant. Of course, getting a dental implant isn’t the only reason a person could benefit from bone grafting surgery.
What is the purpose of bone grafting?
This surgical procedure is recommended when the jawbone needs to be rebuilt or repaired after a significant bone loss. While most patients who turn to us here at our Jacksonville, NC, require bone grafting due to untreated tooth loss, jawbone damage and loss can also occur as a result of advanced periodontal disease, misaligned teeth, an infection of the jawbone (osteomyelitis,) or a broken or injured jaw.
Bone grafting is a commonly performed dental procedure that is recommended by our Jacksonville, NC, dental team if there isn’t enough healthy jawbone to support an implant. This procedure will allow us to repair and rebuild the jawbone by removing healthy bone from elsewhere on the body (or from a donor) and transplanting it onto the jawbone.
Are there different kinds of bone grafts?
Yes, there are several ways for our dental team to perform a bone graft, and we would be happy to discuss these options with you during your consultation. How much jawbone loss you’re dealing with, as well as where your missing tooth or teeth are located, will determine which bone grafting technique will be ideal. The most commonly performed bone grafting procedure is known as a socket graft. Once this procedure is performed, most patients are ready to start their dental implant treatment within 4-6 months.
Is the bone grafting procedure painful?
Not one bit! We perform bone grafts quite regularly in our office and we know how to make patients feel comfortable and at ease throughout the procedure. You should not experience pain during the procedure, as your mouth will be thoroughly numbed with anesthesia. Sedation is often provided to further ease patients into a relaxing calm throughout the surgery. The surgery is a minor outpatient procedure. You also shouldn’t experience any discomfort as the bone graft continues to heal over the coming months.
If you have questions about bone grafting or want to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for bone grafting, our Jacksonville, NC, periodontist Dr. Arauz and the team at Eastern Carolina’s Robotic Dental Implant Center are here to answer your questions and provide you with the care your smile deserves. Call us at (910) 577-1315.