Bone Grafting St. Petersburg FL

What is a dental bone graft?

A bone graft is a surgical process that takes synthetic or donated bone (from another part of your body or a bone bank) and places it into the jawbone where there is insufficient bone due to bone loss or injury. A bone graft is meant to stimulate new bone growth. It is usually performed to provide a strong foundation for dental implants. Bone grafting is a quick procedure to perform, but it takes several months to heal.

Reasons you might need a bone graft

There are many reasons you might need bone grafting before dental implants, including:

1. Tooth Extractions: Missing teeth lead to bone deterioration because the jaw lacks stimulation, resulting in resorption over time.
2. Periodontal Disease: Infections gradually destroy gum support and bone, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
3. Dentures/Bridgework: Unanchored dentures and bridges don’t stimulate the underlying bone, causing resorption and eventual instability.
4. Facial Trauma: Tooth loss from accidents or injuries halts bone stimulation, leading to bone loss.
5. Misalignment: Teeth misalignment can cause over-eruption and bone deterioration.
6. Sinus Deficiencies: Tooth loss in the upper jaw can lead to sinus enlargement, affecting dental implant placement. A sinus lift procedure may be necessary.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is most often performed to provide a stable foundation for implants when there is insufficient bone in the jaw due to a lost tooth, resorption, or aging. While donor bone from the patient can be used, we can also use bone from a bone bank. Sinus lifting and ridge augmentation are two common types of bone grafting.

Why trust St. Petersburg Oral Surgery for your bone grafting procedure?

As an oral surgeon, Dr. Fort has completed several years of additional training beyond dental school with a focus on surgical techniques, pain control, and anesthesia. This knowledge and training allow him to perform complex bone graft procedures with great skill and minimal discomfort for our patients. Dr. Fort is adept at handling complications and ensuring the procedure goes smoothly for optimal results.

FAQs about Bone Grafting

1. Are bone grafts necessary?

   Not always. Some patients have sufficient bone density to support dental implants without intervention. However, if you have gone longer than a year with a missing tooth, chances are that your jawbone has deteriorated in that area and will need to be built up. Dr. Fort will discuss your options with you at your implant consultation.

2. Are bone grafts painful?

   No. Dr. Fort numbs the are before beginning the procedure. If you have dental anxiety or are nervous, he will provide an appropriate form of sedation before beginning the bone graft procedure. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the area for a few days following the procedure. However, these symptoms can be relieved with ice packs on the cheek and pain relievers. The pain will fade within a few days.

   • Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water and non-carbonated beverages aids the healing process.
   • Eat soft foods rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins A and C to boost tissue repair.
   • Sleep with your head elevated the first few nights to reduce swelling and minimize bleeding.
   • Do not skip follow-up appointments. They allow us to catch issues before they become problems.

3. How can I speed up bone graft healing?

Following our post-op instructions is the best way to ensure rapid healing. These are some tips to keep in mind:

In addition, we offer ways to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes that can help speed up the bone graft healing process. Among these are platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which promotes bone growth and triggers the body’s immune response for better grafting in a shorter time. We also use human growth factors to stimulate stem cell production at the bone graft site, which aids in healing and encourages faster bone production.

4. When can I eat after a bone graft?

On the day of a bone graft, you will be on a liquid diet. On the second day, you can switch to a soft diet, which you will be on for about two weeks to allow time for the grafts to heal. During this time, avoid eating or chewing on the site of the grafts. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions following the bone grafting procedure.

For anyone interested in dental implants, bone grafting is a proven procedure that builds up the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for implants. If you are not sure whether your jaw can support implants, call St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Phone Number 727-525-5455 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Fort to learn more.