Bone Grafting Process in Northern Phoenix, AZ

When Might I Need a Bone Graft?

Bone grafts for the teeth are useful for a variety of conditions. In short, anyone who needs to strengthen then jawbone can benefit from a bone grafting procedure. Specifically, the procedure is recommended in the following circumstances:

• The patient has recently had teeth extracted
• The patient has experienced a face injury or trauma to the mouth
• The gums and jawbone have deteriorated because of periodontal disease.
• The patient plans on getting dental implants
• The jawbone isn’t strong enough to support dentures

Types of Bone Grafts

Dental bone grafts might look a little different for each patient. In fact, we often use four different types of bone grafting to address unique needs. When you consult with Dr. Cavendish, he’ll recommend the kind that makes the most sense for you. These main varieties include:

• Socket or Ridge Preservation: During this bone grafting procedure, the new bone material is introduced into the socket after a tooth extraction.
• Periodontal: Periodontal bone grafts support the teeth when the gums become infected and start to deteriorate.
• Ridge Augmentation: This type of bone grafting increases the size of the jawbone, therefore making it a more stable foundation for restorative solutions such as dental implants.
• Sinus Lift: A sinus lift is recommended for patients who are missing the upper back teeth. This type of bone graft helps to return the sinus to its correct position and set the stage for dental implants.

The Bone Grafting Procedure Explained

Understanding the bone grafting procedure goes a long way to reducing anxiety. Bone grafts after tooth extraction are incredibly common, and you’re in good hands with Matthew J. Cavendish, DDS, PLLC. Your bone grafting appointment will follow these steps:

• Oral Exam: Before getting started, we’ll perform an oral exam to evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw. We might take x-rays to get a better look at your oral health.
• Anesthetic: We’ll use a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.
• Application: Next, your dentist will make a small incision into the gums and expose the jawbone. We’ll disinfect the area and apply the bone grafting material.
• Gum Repositioning: As a final step, we’ll reposition the gums and stitch the incision closed.

Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages

Every patient is different, and some people might recover faster than others. Most patients will feel normal after a week or two of recovery, but others need up to nine months to fully recover. The total timespan will depend on your unique circumstances and the location of the graft. Fortunately, Dr. Cavendish will be with you every step of the way to monitor healing. Immediately after the procedure, you’ll likely have some swelling and bruising, but these symptoms should subside within a few days. We may prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers to help you manage the days following the bone graft. Always take this medication as prescribed.

Signs of Bone Graft Failure

Bone grafts for dental implants and other purposes have very high success rates. Most patients don’t need to worry about a bone graft failure. However, it’s not unheard of, and we encourage our patients to stay vigilant for the signs of a failure. If you notice any of the following symptoms post-bone graft, get in touch with Dr. Cavendish right away:

• Worsening pain and swelling after the first week
• Pus coming from the bone graft area
• No changes in the jawbone
• Gum recession

Contact Us at the First Sign of a Problem

Most medical procedures may have complications, and bone grafting is no exception. Our team will make every effort to inform you of potential complications, so you can watch for them as you recover. If you experience severe pain and swelling or a high fever, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll get you in as soon as possible and evaluate your condition. Bone grafting is a procedure that rarely causes excess pain or additional problems, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of complications.