Due to conditions such as periodontal disease and trauma, some individuals may require reconstructive dental work to restore the functionality and appearance of their smiles. During these procedures, the gums and bones may need to be augmented. As a leading provider of restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry services in Eagle River, AK, Legacy Dental Arts is here to explain more about what gum and bone reconstruction entails.  

Dentistry Experts’ Guide to Gum & Bone Reconstruction

Who Needs Gum & Bone Reconstruction?

As periodontal disease progresses, it can cause a patient to lose their teeth and part of the jaw bone. Other oral conditions, such as facial trauma, can also compromise the quality of the bone. No matter the cause, bone loss in the jaw area often needs to be addressed via a bone graft. If gum tissue has also been lost, as is typically the case with periodontal disease, you may require a gum tissue graft.

What Does the Process Involve?

Dentistry professionals may perform bone grafting from the chin to stimulate bone growth in the jaw area. However, when bone loss is more advanced, the dentist may need to use bone from the hip to rebuild a stable foundation. In some cases, they may perform this removal under local anesthesia, but it often warrants surgery in a hospital.

After sourcing the bone, the dental professional will then attach the grafted material to the exposed bone, where it will spur new growth. After, you can receive dental implants or other restorative options to regain functionality.

Gum grafting follows a similar process. The dentistry team may perform this if needed after ample bone has formed. Often, they source tissue from the palate and place it in the area where gums have severely receded to stimulate growth.

If you need restorative dentistry to transform your smile, the team from Legacy Dental Arts will help. With more than 10 years of experience, their practice employs state-of-the-art technology to deliver the highest quality services and care to their patients. Learn more about their full range of services online or call (907) 622-7874 to schedule an appointment.