Bone Grafts Specialist

What are bone grafts?

A dental bone graft is a procedure to increase the density of your jawbone, usually in preparation for dental implants. During the procedure, your surgeon places artificial or natural bone material in the jaw, where it naturally integrates with the existing bone. 

Before the procedure, the team at Los Gatos Dental Specialists tells you about your grafting options. You can use synthetic bone-like materials for your graft or natural bone cells from a bone elsewhere in your body, like your hip. You can also get human or animal donor bone grafts. 

Once the grafting material has been surgically placed, your body naturally takes over the process. Regenerative cells in the region encourage the growth of new bone cells around the graft, like a scaffold. 

Why do I need a bone graft?

You need a bone graft because of bone loss in the jaw. Bone loss happens when a tooth and root come out, whether during extraction or because of an injury. Over time, the underlying jawbone slowly loses density because the roots of your teeth provide support for your jawbone. 

The team at Los Gatos Dental Specialists might recommend a bone graft if you:

• Get a tooth extraction
• Want to get dental implants
• Need more jaw support for dentures
• Have lost bone because of periodontal disease

Dental bone grafts are very common, so there’s no need for concern if your dentist tells you that you need one. 

How long does it take to heal after bone grafts?

Healing after a dental bone graft takes some time, and you need to follow some aftercare steps to make sure you heal properly and without complication. It takes a few weeks for all of the discomfort to diminish, but you need to wait a few months before you can safely get dental implants with a bone graft.

As you heal, you should:

• Relieve discomfort with ice
• Use over-the-counter pain medications for discomfort
• Avoid hot liquids and foods
• Avoid crunchy foods
• Stop smoking
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated

The team at Los Gatos Dental Specialists might bring you in for follow-up appointments. They also encourage you to call if you experience excessive bleeding or any other concerns after your dental bone graft. 

To schedule an appointment at Los Gatos Dental Specialists for a bone graft consultation, call the office or book online today.