When a tooth is extracted or lost, the bone in the jaw that supported the tooth begins to dissipate. Bone grafting is a minor oral surgery in which material is placed in the tooth socket to encourage the production of new bone cells in the area. At Oral Surgery Center in Baraboo, WI, their oral surgeons perform bone grafting surgery as well as sinus lift and ridge expansion bone grafting procedures.

Here are some of the more common questions patients tend to ask about bone grafting:

Why Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

Bone grafting is performed on patients who are seeking dental implants to replace missing teeth but who currently do not have enough bone support in the area for the procedure to be successful. Bone grafting is also frequently used to replete the alveolar bone, which is the hard connective tissue that supports the sinus cavity after tooth loss. Some patients might also require bone grafting to help restore dimension to their jaw bone.

What Type Of Material Is Used For The Bone Graft?

There are three different sources for bone graft material. These include bone taken from a different area of the patient’s body (jaw, hip, or tibia), a donor bone from a different person or an animal (cow), or a synthetic material (ceramic-based) made in a lab.

Will It Be Painful?

During the procedure itself, you will receive general anesthesia; you should not feel a thing. However, as a small incision in the gum line will be made, you will probably have some pain afterward, but this should be easily managed with pain relievers and ice packs.

What Is A Barrier Membrane?

Since gum tissue grows much faster than bone, a membrane will often be used by the oral surgeon to prevent the gum tissue from penetrating the bone graft and preventing it from maturing.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

While it typically only requires one office visit to complete a bone grafting procedure, it generally can take anywhere from four to nine months for the bone growth to be complete.

To learn more about bone grafting, contact Oral Surgery Center today. Schedule your appointment by calling (608) 356-2112. You can also visit them online to learn more about this and other dental procedures they provide, including dental implants.