Bone Grafting
Our Dental Bone Graft Specialists Treat Patients in Mokena, IL
Dental bone grafting is a common and safe procedure designed to restore smiles and maintain oral health. Our team at Elite Smiles of Mokena specializes in bone grafting treatment, meaning we can rebuild the foundation of your jaw if you’re dealing with tooth loss or gum disease. We have extensive experience and use the latest technology, so you can trust us with your dental care. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dental bone grafts and how they can help you.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a procedure that adds volume and density to your jawbone. Think of your jawbone like the foundation of a house. If the ground isn’t strong enough, you can’t build on it. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area can start to shrink or melt away because it isn’t being used anymore. We place new bone material in the area where the bone has been lost. Over time, your body uses this material to grow new, healthy bone cells.
Understanding When You Need a Dental Bone Graft
Here are a few reasons why you might need a bone graft:
- Dental Implants – This is the most common reason. A bone graft for tooth implant success is crucial. The dental implant needs plenty of strong bone to hold it in place.
- Tooth Extractions – Sometimes, we place a graft immediately after pulling a tooth to help preserve the socket.
- Gum Disease – Severe gum disease can eat away at the bone supporting your teeth, but a graft will help save it.
- Trauma or Injury – If an accident damaged your jaw, grafting can help repair the defect.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
Not all grafts are the same. The dental bone graft material used depends on your specific needs. While the medical field uses various types of bone grafts in orthopedic surgery to fix legs or arms, dental grafts are much smaller and focused on the jaw. The primary sources we use include:
- Autografts – This uses bone from your own body. It’s very safe because it’s your tissue.
- Allografts – This uses bone from a human donor. The bone is processed in a laboratory to ensure complete safety and sterility.
- Xenografts – This comes from an animal source, usually a cow. It serves as a strong frame for your bone to grow into.
- Alloplasts – These are synthetic materials.
Our Bone Grafting Process
We aim to take the mystery out of the tooth bone graft procedure. This quick surgery typically involves the following process:
- Numbing – First, we make sure our patients are completely comfortable. This may involve the use of local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Access – The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to see the bone beneath.
- Placement – We carefully place the grafting material into the area where the bone is missing.
- Protection – We might cover the graft with a special membrane to protect it while it heals.
- Closing Up – Finally, we stitch the gum tissue back together.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is a huge part of a successful bone grafting treatment. After surgery, you may experience some soreness or notice swelling, but this is normal. It takes time for the new bone to fuse with the old bone. Here are a few tips for a smooth recovery:
- Take It Easy – Avoid heavy exercise for one to two days. It’s best to rest immediately after surgery.
- Watch What You Eat – Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hard or crunchy foods.
- Ice Packs – Use ice on the outside of your cheek to keep swelling down.
- Keep It Clean – Follow our instructions on how to keep your mouth clean without disturbing the wound.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
Choosing to get a bone graft has many long-term benefits for your health:
- Restores Facial Structure – Losing bone can make your face look sunken or older. Grafting prevents this.
- Allows for Implants – Bone grafts for dental implants give you a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Saves Teeth – Grafting can stabilize teeth that have become loose due to gum disease.
- Better Health – A strong jaw contributes to better chewing and digestion.
Risks and Considerations
As with any medical procedure, there are risks, though they’re rare. The most common issue is infection, but we take every precaution to prevent this from happening. If you notice severe pain or swelling that doesn’t go away, let us know immediately.
Another risk is graft failure. This means your body doesn’t accept the graft, or it fails to integrate. However, with a skilled team like ours, success rates are very high. Smoking can significantly increase the risk of failure, so we recommend stopping during your recovery.
Contact Us for Bone Grafting Treatment Today
Don’t let bone loss compromise your smile or health. Elite Smiles of Mokena can help rebuild a strong foundation for your teeth at our state-of-the-art clinic in Mokena, IL. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
FAQ About Tooth Bone Grafts
We’ve compiled answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about tooth bone grafts below.
Most patients report feeling little to no pain during the procedure thanks to anesthesia. Afterward, any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The cost varies depending on the type of material used and the size of the graft. We can provide a clear estimate during your consultation and explain your insurance options.
Yes. Most people return to work or school the next day. You just need to be careful about what you eat.