Dental Bone Grafting Candidate

Dental Grafting in Cary, NC

If a tooth is missing, deterioration of the bone will generally occur over time. Because of this, when a tooth falls out or needs to be extracted, it is important to quickly replace the tooth. There are situations where patients do not immediately have the gap in their teeth filled, and they experience bone loss. When it comes time to replace the tooth, the jawbone may not have the integrity that it needs for a proper replacement. When this happens, a dental bone graft may be possible to restore the jawbone, and allow for improved repair of the bone.

What is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a dental procedure that involves filling a gap in the bony socket with grafting material to ensure the health of the jawbone after an extraction. Dental bone grafting can also be done to restore lost bone after damage has occurred, or if a jaw has lost some of its bone mass due to a lost tooth or extraction that was not filled.

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What Leads to a Need for Grafting?


In order to restore the mouth after a tooth or teeth have been lost, it’s important for the jawbone to have enough mass to support the procedure the dentist would like to provide. Because of this, a dental bone graft may be necessary to repair bone that has been lost. There are a variety of reasons that bone may be lost. These include:

Tooth Extraction

Once a tooth has been extracted, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. If it is not, it can lose as much as 40-60% of the bone surrounding the missing tooth.

Periodontal Disease

If periodontal disease is not properly taken care of in a timely fashion, it can lead to the wearing away of not only healthy teeth, but also the jawbone.

Injury

Accidents happen. A tooth may be knocked out and—in more severe situations—the jawbone may take damage as well. Because the tooth is not lost due to an extraction, many people will leave the tooth missing for a while. This is a huge mistake! The longer the gap is left untreated, the more the jawbone can deteriorate.

While these three reasons may lead to the need for a dental bone graft, with proper care, a dental bone graft may be avoided.

Why Would I need a Dental Graft?


There are a couple of main reasons for a dental bone graft. These involve either the restoration of the jawbone after bone loss has already occurred, or the prevention of bone loss.

When damage has occurred to the jawbone and is left untreated, or if an extraction has occurred and the tooth has not been replaced, the jaw will deteriorate. A jaw stabilization dental bone graft will restore the jaw so different restoration processes can be achieved.

Another reason for a dental bone graft is preservation of the jawbone. There may be a need for a waiting period between the procedure of having a tooth extracted, and having an implant placed. When this is the case, a dental bone graft can be used to preserve the jawbone for the next procedure.

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Types of Bone Grafts


A dental bone graft procedure is not just one thing. Instead, there are a few different types of dental bone grafts—with each fulfilling specific needs.

The first bone grafting technique is socket grafting. This process involves bone grafting material being placed after a tooth has been extracted. This allows the bone to heal, so an implant can be placed. The healing process is generally around four months for this type of dental bone graft.

Another dental bone graft technique involves the placement of bone substitute where there is bone loss. A membrane tarp is placed over this bone substitute. Bone will be grown, and the jawbone will be allowed to heal. From there an implant can be installed. This process is generally an option when a block of bone is not.

The final type of bone graft involves the placing of bony blocks where the bone is missing. This is great for situations where there is a significant amount of bone loss. The blocks are placed with titanium screws, which help to provide bone for an implant. The healing process will often take four to five months.

The type of dental bone graft technique that a dentist will choose will depend on the amount of bone loss, and the individual needs of the patient.

Dental Implants


Bone grafting is a very common procedure when a dentist is trying to install dental implants. Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the installation of a titanium rod into the jawbone that is used to hold a false tooth in place. If a patient does not have a strong enough jawbone, dental implants are not an option. Because of this, bone grafting may be an option to restore the jawbone so dental implants can be placed.

Socket grafting may be used after an extraction to maintain the integrity of the jawbone, allowing a dental implant to be placed at a later time.

Replacement Options


When an extraction is needed, you will be able to speak with your dentist about different tooth replacement options. While dental implants are ideal, they may not be an option. Even though many patients are good candidates for dental bone grafts that allow for dental implants, some
patients are not candidates for dental bone grafts. When this is the case, a dental bridge may be the best tooth replacement option.

Dental bridges are dental appliances that bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. This gives the illusion of natural teeth, while still providing support for the jaw and the patient’s bite.

Still, the best solution for tooth replacement is a dental implant. Because of this, if you are undergoing a tooth extraction, make sure to see if you are a candidate for a dental implant. If your jawbone isn’t quite strong enough to support the implant, speak with your dentist about a dental bone graft.


More Information on Dental Bridges >

More Information on Dental Implants > 

More Information on Tooth Extractions >

Dentists You Can Trust

We take the time to explain treatment and use the latest in dental technology to ensure a conservative approach to your dental care. We have specialized eyepieces and special decay-detecting dye to be sure we can see the smallest amount of decay and remove only the diseased portions of the tooth. Our iTero scanner allows us to scan your teeth and create restorations with world-class accuracy.

Dentist Jim Bohn at Cary Dentist

Dr. Jim Bohn


Dr. Bohn is a native of Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Penn State University and a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Temple University School of Dentistry.

Dentist Jerry Allen Cary Dentist

Dr. Jerry Allen


Dr. Jerry Allen was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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