Tooth loss is often accompanied by the loss of underlying bone tissue. This, in turn, can result in unwanted changes to the facial appearance while also making dental restoration more challenging. For patients who lack adequate bone mass for dental implants, the best remedy may be a procedure called bone grafting, which allows new bone tissue to be grown where it is needed the most.
We are pleased to provide bone grafts to our patients. To learn more about bone grafting, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana.
What Is a Bone Graft?
You will be fully sedated for your bone graft, ensuring you do not experience any pain or discomfort. Once the sedation is in full effect, your surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue, exposing the underlying bone tissue.
Placement of bone in an extraction site or in a defect will help to either increase or maintain the height and width of the space for dental implant placement. This stimulates new bone matter, regenerating tissue where you most need it to anchor dental implants or prevent a hollow or sunken facial appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?
The primary reason why we perform bone grafts is to prepare a patient for dental implants. Implants provide a comfortable, long-lasting replacement for missing teeth, but they require a solid bone structure in the jaw. Bone grafting can provide this structure when none is present.
Additionally, bone grafting can help prevent further bone atrophy and can mediate any deformity of the jawbone.
Am I a Good Candidate for Bone Grafting?
The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for a safe and successful bone graft is to schedule a consultation at The OMS Center of South Louisiana.
Generally, the best candidates for bone grafting have lost teeth and underlying bone matter due to untreated tooth and gum disease, facial trauma, or the removal of an oral tumor. The ideal bone grafting candidate does not smoke, does not have untreated periodontal disease, and does not have any underlying health conditions that would prevent them from proper healing.
What to Expect from a Bone Graft
One of the things we value most is patient education. When you first meet with Dr. Brandner for a consultation, he will carefully explain the procedure and any aftercare instructions. We want our patients to arrive for surgery feeling fully confident about their treatment.
The procedure itself is done under sedation, typically via IV, to keep you from experiencing any pain or discomfort. The surgery usually takes somewhere between 45 and 90 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery from a Bone Graft
Dr. Brandner will offer plenty of advance instruction about recovery and aftercare. You will also have a number you can call to get direct support regarding any questions or concerns that arise.
Recovery from a bone graft may take up to three weeks, though most patients feel fairly normal within a matter of days. Pain medications can be used to keep you from experiencing any discomfort. You will likely want to stick to a soft-food or liquid diet for 24 to 48 hours and can gradually shift back to a normal diet as you feel more comfortable.
Schedule a Bone Grafting Consultation
A bone graft can be imperative for preventing unwanted changes to your facial appearance, as well as for preparing you for a dental implant procedure. We are happy to provide this procedure to patients in Covington, LA and the surrounding community.
To schedule a bone graft consultation, contact our practice at your convenience. Call us at (985) 687-1616.
Patient Reviews
“Truly a great doctor who cares about his patients. His sense of humor also made us feel at ease… Thanks for being you, Dr. Brandner!”
– Happy Patient
