Bones can shrink as you grow older. Unfortunately, this means all bones, including your jawbone can deteriorate over time. And with jawbones, age is less of a determining factor than your general oral health. If you have sustained tooth loss or periodontal disease, you may experience jawbone loss at any age. Fortunately, a dental bone grafting procedure can restore lost tissue and create a sturdy foundation for future dental wellness.
At Texas Oral Surgery Specialists, Dr. Chris Tye offers several types of bone grafting to address a variety of health needs. Using our state-of-the-art technology, he will evaluate your jaw to determine the extent of bone loss. Then he can determine whether bone grafting is necessary for good oral health or for future restorative work.
If you have lost teeth or suffer from advanced gum disease, or if you are preparing for restorative work, contact us to learn more about dental bone grafting.
After Tooth Loss or Extraction
Your dental roots don’t just keep your teeth in place. They also send regenerative signals to your jawbone. So when you lose a tooth, your bone will quickly start to recede. If you have been missing teeth for some time, bone deterioration may have affected a larger portion of your jaw.
After tooth extraction, up to 50% of your alveolar bone may be lost. And two-thirds of this deterioration occurs in the first three months following extraction. For this reason, Dr. Tye often recommends a dental bone graft at the same time as extraction. By filling in the tooth socket, he can prevent recession from occuring in the first place.
After Gum Disease
If you suffer from periodontitis, pockets of bacteria build up in your gum tissue. Over time, this will cause the gums to recede. Eventually, the bacteria can even reach your bone, causing hard tissue recession. A bone graft as part of your periodontal treatment can prevent tooth loss.
Before Implant Placement
Dental implants are widely regarded as the best method of tooth replacement. The implants act as artificial tooth roots, both supporting your restoration and stimulating bone regeneration. To qualify for implants, however, you must have a certain amount of bone tissue to begin with. If you have sustained significant bone shrinkage, the implants will not have enough support and could eventually come out. Dental bone grafting can provide a solid foundation for long-lasting restorations.
Before Getting Dentures
Modern dentures are much more secure and realistic than older restorations. But if your jawbone has shrunk considerably, your prosthodontist may not be able to create a denture that fits snugly. In these cases, dental bone grafting may be necessary before you can receive your new prosthetic. At the same time, unlike implants, dentures will not stimulate future bone growth. This is one reason that implants are the preferred method of tooth replacement.
Learn More about Dental Bone Grafting
To find out if you are a candidate for bone grafting or to learn more about the procedure, contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists online or call 817-552-3223.
Dr. Tye serves patients from across the Fort Worth area, including Colleyville, Bedford, Southlake, and Grapevine.
