What Is A Dental Bone Graft?
Many people only pay attention to the visible part of their smile, but your jawbone also plays a major role in your overall dental health. If your jaw becomes weakened by an injury or a missing tooth, our team at Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery may recommend bone grafting surgery to prevent atrophy and keep your other teeth in place. Bone grafting uses donor tissue to strengthen your jawbone, providing structure and space for future dental implants. We often perform bone grafting after tooth extraction or as a way to prepare for implants. If you're worried about bone loss or thinking about dental implants, schedule a consultation at our offices in Sheffield and Florence, AL to learn if you're a candidate for bone grafting.
How Do You Perform Bone Grafts?
Your bone grafting procedure will depend on the type and amount of graft needed. Your graft may be sourced from a different part of your body, such as the hip, chin, or shin (autograft). An autograft can be done at our offices with local or general anesthesia. Other options include an allograft (from another person), xenograft (from an animal, typically a cow), or alloplast (synthetic). During your consultation, your surgeon at Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery will discuss these options and help you choose the best one. Once the graft is prepared, the treatment area will be numbed, and an incision will be made in the gums to access the bone. The graft, along with collagen and growth-promoting proteins, will be attached to the jawbone. The incision will then be closed with stitches, and the area will be cleaned.
You may notice swelling, discomfort, or bruising for the first week after bone grafting surgery. You will need to avoid very hard, chewy, or spicy foods, which may irritate the surgery site. The grafted bone may take several months (or up to a year) to fully integrate with your jaw. Once you're fully recovered, we'll meet with you to discuss the next steps, which usually include dental implants to keep your jaw — and smile — healthy.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting surgery is an effective solution for individuals who are struggling with jawbone loss. Our approach offers a variety of benefits for patients in Sheffield and Florence, AL, including:
- Helps maintain the natural shape of your face, preventing a sunken look
- Protects the health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth
- Improves the overall appearance of your smile and facial balance
- Provides a strong foundation for restorations like crowns and dentures
- Creates a reliable base for dental implants
- Prevents further jawbone loss and helps maintain its strength
- Keeps your smile and face looking natural and youthful
Oral and Facial Surgery of the Shoals Reviews
Very good staff & MD !
Implants.. Big old amalgam fillings cracking and not leaving enough tooth for crown. Mid 60s.. Not gonna beat this place. Dr McLwain my fav.
My daughter is mentally handicapped and worried about getting a tooth pulled. Dr. Nester and his staff made her so comfortable that she went back alone and did fantastic! I highly recommend them! Thank you so much
Excellent care. Nurses treat me like family♡♡ Thank you!
They turned a bad experience in to a great experience. A great run dental office.
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Lay the Foundation for A Healthier Smile
Strengthen your jaw with surgical bone grafting at Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery. Our team is committed to your comfort and will guide you through your options to create a personalized plan that fits your needs. Reach out to our Sheffield or Florence, AL office today to start the process toward a stronger, healthier smile.