Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting
Concerned that you need a bone or soft tissue grafting? You probably have lots of questions, especially if you’ve never heard of the process before. But, don’t worry. Here, we will share more information to ease your mind. Certainly bone and soft tissue grafting are beneficial for your oral health. Chiefly because they promote healthy bone, gum tissues, and stabilize your jaw.
What Is Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting?
To illustrate, bone and soft tissue grafting involves taking a small piece of bone or tissue and surgically implanting it in an area of your mouth. Probably an area with insufficient bone or soft tissue.
Basically, the grafts can come from the inside of the mouth in different ways. Either from the roof of the mouth or for bone grafting, the jaw bone can be used. Synthetic bone or tissue may be used to restore the deteriorated bone or tissue. Depending on your case, your periodontist decides which solution is best for you. Our periodontist expert at Family Dentistry Springfield, works with you to determine the best choice for your oral health.
When is Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting Needed?
Most commonly, bone grafting is associated with denture implants for better retention. If you have missing teeth, the jaw bone can recede or be damaged. Denture implants are not strong enough on unstable bone. Our practice typically recommends a bone graft for these situations. Moreover, promoting a strong connection for the dentures and helping them last longer, possibly a lifetime.
In other scenarios, a soft tissue graft is used to prevent gum recession and improve the look of your smile. However, gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it can cause bacteria and tooth sensitivity. Therefore, to prevent further dental problems, a soft tissue graft may be necessary.
What are Available Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting Treatments?
Unquestionably, there are several types of bone and soft tissue grafting procedures. But the main difference is the source and location of the graft. Here are a few:
- Ridge Augmentation - a type of bone graft inserted on the bone that surrounds your teeth (the alveolar bone). This graft stimulates bone growth in the area where a denture implant is to be placed.
- Sinus Lift - another type of bone graft for the upper jaw. It adds bone between the jaw and the sinus membrane so there is enough foundation for dentures to be implanted later.
- Connective-tissue grafting - a method of soft tissue grafting. It involves removing tissue from within the roof of the mouth and adding that graft to the gum tissue around the exposed tooth root.
- Free gingival grafting - similar to connect-tissue grafting, but instead of taking tissue from within the roof of the mouth, a small amount of tissue is removed directly off the roof of the mouth.
- Pedicle grafting - involves making a flap of gum tissue around the exposed tooth root and pulling that flap over so it covers the root.
Further, our experts are happy to discuss your options with you at Family Dentistry Springfield; recommending a treatment to restore your oral health.
Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting Process
A bone or soft tissue graft is a minor surgery. Typically done with local anesthesia. Our dentist works with you to choose the best sedation method for your comfort. Discuss your options thoroughly with him at the consultation before the procedure.
During the procedure, our dentist extracts the bone or soft tissue graft from a donor site and implants it in the necessary location. Alternatively, a synthetic bone or tissue graft is used to avoid a second surgical site and reduce discomfort during recovery.
Regardless, with local anesthesia, you’ll leave Family Dentistry Springfield shortly after the surgery. Still, you need to arrange for someone to take you home.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, you will likely take an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection. Over-the-counter medication for inflammation can help remove your discomfort following the procedure.
Your diet should consist of soft foods a couple of weeks after surgery to prevent any damage to the new graft. Foods might include yogurt, cooked vegetables, ice cream, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot foods so you don’t irritate your gums.
Mouth care should consist of an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection. Also, don’t brush or floss the area of the graft after surgery. You need to let it heal sufficiently so your brushing won’t open wounds.
We will give you specific instructions for post-operative care including your diet, your physical activity, and medications. Overall, you should get back to feeling normal soon after the procedure.
How Can We Help?
To emphasize, don’t hesitate to reach out to Family Dentistry Springfield with more questions or concerns about your bone or soft tissue grafting. We are happy to help you with our comprehensive dental services. Call our office or click here to request a free consultation appointment online today.
