Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?

“I want a bone graft!” — said no one. Ever. 

However, they are sometimes a necessity in dentistry. If you are researching bone grafts you have come to the right place. Our professionals at Castle Valley Dental are highly trained and we are particularly knowledgeable in this area of dentistry. 

Keep reading while we will explain it all. 

What Is A Dental Bone Graft? 

It’s a minor oral surgery that reinforces the dental bone that’s responsible for stabilizing teeth. Essentially, bone grafting promotes healing of the bone and is essential for certain conditions.

The process involves a dentist making an incision to expose the bone of the jaw to graft new bone material to it. While a dental bone graft may sound intimidating, the procedure is painless and takes under two hours. 

Afterwards, the human body generates new bone cells around the grafted material, building up the bone precisely where it is needed. 

What Conditions Would Substantiate A Bone Graft? 

There are several reasons why someone may need a bone graft. One of the main ones is to support dental implants. If a tooth has been missing for a length of time there is a likely chance that the bone in the jawline has significantly deteriorated. Bone grafting can both restore and prevent bone loss in the jaw and strengthen the area. Once remedied, a replacement tooth can be implanted.

Other reasons for a bone graft include:  

  • A fracture that did not heal well or refuses to heal 
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Cancer
  • Periodontitis or gum disease 
  • A missing tooth that was not rapidly replaced

This is where everyone in the dental community will tell you: preventative dental care is of maximum importance. And it’s true. The earlier you can catch a dental problem, the better your chances are to ever need a bone graft.

bone graft

Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dental care is crucial not only to your oral health, but your overall health as well. Practicing good dental hygiene and having consistent, regular check ups with your dentist will prevent many of the issues that cause gum disease and jawbone loss.

During a preventative health care visit, the dentist will clean your teeth and check for gum disease and other issues. They will also evaluate how clean your mouth is and make suggestions for how you can make improvements on your own. 

A dental exam will also examine the soft tissue to ensure there are no lumps, bumps, or discolorations associated with oral cancer. The dentists at Castle Valley Dental will also check for cavities and any other anomalies. We fully understand how important preventative dental is and strive to provide the best care possible and the most effective advice for home care. 

We highly recommend that all minors get regular check ups from a trusted dental provider. Good oral hygiene and preventative care needs to start in childhood. Read our previous blog: When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist for advice and more information. 

Contact The Experts At Castle Valley Dental To Learn More

Contact us at Castle Valley Dental with any questions regarding bone grafts or to learn more about our practice. We offer a full range of services for the entire family in Castle Rock, Colorado.

We are a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize dental health and want to help your family get the care, and smiles they deserve.