If you have advanced gum disease or are looking to have dental implants installed, it’s possible your dentist will recommend a bone graft. It’s a simple procedure, but knowing what to do and expect will help make healing a success. The following guide will help you prepare for your upcoming appointment.

Dental Bone Grafts Explained

What Is the Procedure?

In some cases, people who have periodontitis or need dental implants must have a bone graft first. The procedure involves placing bone taken from elsewhere in your body—or an artificial composite material—and mating it with your jawbone. It normally takes several weeks before the graft has time to completely heal.

Why It’s Needed

By fusing with your jawbone, a graft restores strength and support, which is necessary to accept an implant. When your gums suffer from infection, your teeth weaken and can fall out. Your dentist will rely on an X-ray and thorough exam to determine whether or not you’ve lost enough bone mass in your jaw to require a graft before moving forward with your treatment plan.

How to Prepare

Your dentist will ask you for your complete medical history and perform a physical examination before placing the graft. You'll need to inform your medical professional about any medications or recreational drugs you are taking. Each graft procedure can take an hour or longer, but pain and swelling will be minimal and unlikely to keep you from work. Upon completion, the dentist will discuss the next step in the dental implant process or the best way to take care of your gums. 

If you're looking to take your smile to the next level, Samuel Townsley Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Foley, AL, is here to help. With more than 25 years of serving fresh smiles to their community, they're committed to offering the best dentistry services in Baldwin County, from dental implants to routine cleanings. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (251) 943-1521 to schedule your appointment today.