Bone Grafting

Dental Bone Grafting Techniques to Enhance Your Oral Health

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that restores oral health by addressing bone loss in the jaw. At Northwest Dental Specialists in Mt. Prospect, IL, Dr. Paola Rojas specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal (gum) disease, focusing on restoring and maintaining oral health.

As an expert in placing dental implants, our team is committed to offering advanced solutions for patients who experience bone loss due to gum disease, tooth loss, or other oral health issues. One of our most effective procedures is bone grafting, which helps restore healthy bone tissue in the jaw, ensuring long-term success for dental implants and overall oral health.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a common procedure for treating jaw bone loss. This bone loss can occur due to various causes, such as gum disease, injury, or tooth extraction. When teeth are missing, the jawbone beneath them can deteriorate over time. This is where bone grafting comes in.

During this procedure, we introduce bone graft material to the affected area to stimulate the growth of new bone. This process is an effective way to support the placement of dental implants and enhances the stability of your teeth and gums.

Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?

The loss of bone tissue can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Gum disease (periodontal disease): Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss, which weakens the foundation for your teeth.
• Tooth loss: After tooth extraction, the surrounding bone may shrink, making it difficult to place a dental implant.
• Injury or trauma: Accidents that damage the bone can result in bone loss and affect the function of your teeth.

When bone loss occurs, the growth of new bone is essential to restore function and maintain healthy oral structures. Bone grafting allows us to use bone graft material—synthetic, cadaveric, or from your own body—to encourage the regeneration of dental bone and support dental implants.

The Bone Grafting Procedure

During a bone grafting procedure, Dr. Rojas carefully places a piece of bone material into the area where bone loss has occurred. Over time, the graft will fuse with your bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration. This allows your body to form healthy bone in the area, making it possible for dental implants to be securely placed.

The Healing Process

The healing process after bone grafting can vary depending on the extent of bone loss and the type of graft used. The healing process may take several months as your body works to incorporate the new bone tissue into your own bone. Once the area has fully healed, Dr. Rojas will assess the growth of new bone and the readiness for dental implant surgery.

Types of Bone Grafting

Several types of dental bone grafts are available, each with its advantages. The most common types include:

• Autografts: These grafts utilize bone from your body, typically from the chin, hip, or lower leg. Autografts are considered the gold standard as they carry the lowest risk of rejection and promote rapid healing.
• Allografts: Allografts involve using bone from a donor, which undergoes rigorous sterilization and screening processes to ensure safety. This option eliminates the need for a second surgical site.
• Xenografts: Xenografts utilize bone derived from animal sources, typically cow bone. The bone undergoes processing to make it compatible with human tissue.
• Alloplasts: These grafts are made from a synthetic material that mimics the composition of natural bone.

Each of these options offers unique benefits, and Dr. Rojas will discuss the best choice for your specific needs based on the amount of bone loss, your overall oral health, and the goal of supporting successful future treatment.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

Bone grafting offers numerous benefits for your oral health and overall well-being. Those benefits include the following:

• Prevents further bone loss: Restores lost bone, preventing further shrinkage and supporting surrounding teeth.
• Supports dental implants: Provides the necessary foundation for dental implants, ensuring better outcomes.
• Promotes natural healing: Encourages your body to regenerate its bone, seamlessly integrating new tissue.
• Restores oral function: Rebuilds the jaw structure, improving the ability to chew and speak.

Enhance Your Overall Health With New Bone

If you are experiencing bone loss due to gum disease, tooth loss, or another oral health issue, bone grafting may be the solution you need. Dr. Paola Rojas and the experienced team at Northwest Dental Specialists are here to help you restore your smile and oral function with advanced bone grafting techniques.

Call us at (847) 398-0404 to schedule an appointment in Mt. Prospect, IL, and learn more about how bone grafting can enhance your dental health. Let us help you regain a healthy smile with the support of your own body’s healing process.