Without adequate dental care, you may have developed gum disease, which leads to tooth loss and deteriorates the jawbone. With a lack of bone density, you may not be an acceptable candidate for dental implants. Fortunately, a dental bone graft can help restore mass and durability to the jawbone. Here’s a closer look at what this procedure is.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

Dental bone grafts are created by taking another material and fusing it to your jawbone to create a more stable structure. The source of the graft may be your own body (hip or jawbone), a human donor, an animal donor, or synthetic material.

The goal is to regenerate any lost or weakened bone tissue. Following a period of healing, you will then have a more stable foundation for dental implant surgery, which requires a solid anchor in the jaw. 

Who Is a Candidate?

Chronic bacterial infections that affect the gums and jawbone can be caused by the exacerbation of poor dental care leading to periodontitis. If a patient with periodontal disease has bone loss and requires dental implant surgery, they will likely be a good candidate for a graft.

It may also be recommended to save teeth that are at risk due to advanced gum disease. By fortifying the jawbone, your natural teeth’s foundation will be more secure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

During the procedure, the surgeon will retrieve the sourced bone or synthetic material and graft it to your jawbone. A small incision will be made in the gum line, and then the grafting material will be inserted. Your body will naturally deposit new bone cells to the site, creating a healthy density. 

It may take a few months for the graft to stabilize, become secure, and fully heal, but when all is said and done, your jawbone will have become stronger and more equipped to handle implants.

For compassionate attention to all your family’s dental care needs, visit Lowitz & Meier. They offer quality, detailed care for patients throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area. From cosmetic services such as porcelain veneers to root canals and dental implants, they can remedy any oral health issue. View a complete list of services on their website or call (513) 521-8900 to schedule an appointment today.