Dental Bone Grafting in Chattanooga, TN

What Is Bone Grafting (Augmentation)?

Bone grafting aids in strengthening weak areas of bone loss by placing donor bone into that space. Like grafting fruit trees in an orchard, a separate structure is attached onto the original one and then allowed to fuse, grow, and flourish in that area. The two entities essentially become one healthy structure, allowing for a denser, healthy bone structure that is capable of supporting dental implants.

Ways We Restore Bone Loss with Grafting

Each tooth is set into a “socket” in the same healthy bone tissue. After tooth extraction, the socket loses its borders and begins to expand into a wider area of the jaw. Bone grafting helps preserve the shape of the socket to ensure adequate implant support. However, the process can vary depending on the extent of tooth loss or how long you’ve had missing teeth and where the socket is located bone tissue

Bony Ridge Modification

Larger areas of bone loss can lower the height of bone across the jawline. Comprehensive augmentation may involve reshaping the bone as well as incorporating grafts.

Bone Reduction

Occasionally it’s necessary to recontour and reduce bone height in some areas, especially if you’re being fitted with a denture or implant-supported overdentures.

Types of Dental Bone Grafts

Not all dental bone grafts are the same. Depending on your oral anatomy, your oral health and history, and the extent of bone loss that’s present, Dr. McOmie may recommend one of the following:

Autogenous Bone Graft

This traditional type of bone graft is when your own bone is moved to a separate location, usually at the time of your tooth extraction. Autogenous bone grafting procedures minimizes the total number of procedures needed.

Allografts

Sterilized, FDA-approved donor bone is placed in small amounts onto your existing bone, allowing for fusion and reinforcement of osseous tissues.

Xenografts

Also sterilized and FDA-approved, this type of bone graft typically comes from bovine sources and is safe for dental implant patients.

Alloplastic Grafts

Alloplastic grafts are non-biological bone that is made from a synthetic material or a combination of minerals. It is one of the most common types of bone grafting materials used in dental surgery and implant placement.

Is Getting a Bone Graft Painful?

Bone integration is natural and, depending on the type of graft you get, typically a pain-free process. Since bone structure lacks the same type of nerve endings as your teeth and gums, you can expect a fairly comfortable surgical procedure and recovery. However, autogenous bone grafting where your own bone is used may involve a bit more invasive surgery to perform and thereby require a longer healing period.

A bit of local anesthetic will be used to numb the gum tissue, as opening that area will be required to place the bone graft. Minor irritation is normal as the gums heal, so we recommend taking an over-the-counter medication like Advil (ibuprofen) for the first couple of days during the dental bone graft healing process.

After the Bone Grafting Procedure and Healing Time

A bone augmentation procedure can be performed on its own, as part of a dental extraction, or even during the time that the dental implant is installed. Depending on the need for a graft and the type of bone graft materials you receive, the type of appointment can vary. Dr. McOmie will discuss his recommendations with you so that you know exactly what to expect.

Bone integration doesn’t occur overnight. All new bone grafts require at least a few months to fully integrate with the surrounding bone tissues before they are structurally sound enough to support a dental implant. Dr. McOmie will evaluate your bone graft procedures on site at specific intervals to monitor how soon implants can be placed afterward. This process may require anywhere from 3-6 months.

Are Bone Grafts Necessary To Get Dental Implants?

Only in specific situations. Dr. McOmie will need to evaluate your individual bone anatomy to see bone growth and determine if it’s structurally sound for implant placement. If there is inadequate bone density, he will recommend placing a bone graft to prepare your mouth for implant installation.

Not every dental implant client requires a bone graft. But for those who do, Dr. McOmie can make the treatment experience more predictable.

McOmie Family Dentistry offers complete implant therapy—including bone grafting—under one roof. So if you’ve been told that you don’t qualify for dental implants because of bone loss and you want a second opinion, we invite you to reserve a consultation with Dr. McOmie today.