When is Bone Grafting Needed For Your Jaw?
By Ramin Shabtaie | Published on November 2, 2010 | 0 Comments
When people think of their mouths, and more specifically their teeth, they tend to consider only the parts that they can see. Little do they know that some of the most important contributing factors to their oral health are positioned below the gum line. Mainly, this includes the jaw bone, which connects to the root of the tooth that erupts through the gum line—the part that you see.
When teeth are neglected for too long, the jaw bone becomes weakened and may need a special amount of attention before any cosmetic treatments can be performed. In some instances, says Ramin Shabtaie, an experienced oral surgeon in Los Angeles who offers dental implants, when there is deficient or missing bone in the jaw, bone grafting may be needed before implants can be placed.
In implant dentistry specifically, bone grafting involves bone material that can be harvested from numerous sources. While not always a prerequisite when implants are needed, bone grafting is necessary when x-rays and CT scans have determined that the remaining bone in the mouth cannot adequately support implants.
In some instances, Dr. Shabtaie says, the bones are taken from animals or cadavers and run through a series of tests to make sure that they are sterile before use–very similar to the process used in orthopedic surgery. In other situations, he says, your own bone can be used, and the source of the bone will depend on the quantity needed. If a lot of bone is necessary to complete the grafting, then bone from the hip can be taken; otherwise, bone from other parts of the mouth, such as the chin, may be sufficient.
Besides implant dentistry, bone grafting may be beneficial for oral cancer patients who had portions of their jaws removed, or for patients who were born with small jaws and need more bone added so that their mouths look normal and that their teeth can be repositioned properly. Other times, Dr. Shabtaie explains, bone grafting must also be done for patients who do not have the jaw structure necessary to support dentures.
According to Dr. Shabtaie, the most important step in a bone grafting procedure is actually the planning process. First, he says, you need to be properly evaluated, beginning with a regular dental x-ray. Afterward, you’ll be sent for additional CT scans to determine how much bone is needed and where it should be taken from. Some patients may actually need a second grafting procedure if their situations warrant it.
According to Dr. Shabtaie, your anticipated healing period after bone grafting relies upon the area of the jaw that has been treated. Some patients heal within six weeks, he says, while others take more like three months.
One of the most common bone grafting procedures, Dr. Shabtaie says, is called socket preservation. This is done when a tooth is removed and your dentist has planned for an implant to go in its place. In certain situations, he continues, your dentist may recommend placing the bone grafting material directly after the tooth has been removed, which can help preserve the bone in the implant area. This option is most often chosen for aesthetic areas of the mouth, such as the front teeth.
When it comes to your oral health, Dr. Shabtaie explains, it is always best to catch a problem early on. Not only will it preserve your teeth, but it will spare your savings account as well. Fortunately, with the assistance of an experienced dentist or specialist, even advanced issues can be treated so that you can regain a healthy mouth and a healthy smile.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.