Bone Grafting

Bone Grafting

A bone graft is a procedure used to repair damaged or deteriorated areas of the jaw or mouth. This treatment involves adding bone or other materials to the jawbone to encourage the growth of new tissue. It can also be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as improving the appearance of your smile. At Northern Montana Oral Surgery, we offer bone grafting procedures to meet our patient’s needs.

What Causes Bone Loss in the Jaw?

There are many different types of causes of bone loss in the jaw. Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to gum disease, which over time, can cause deterioration of the jawbone and tooth roots, leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can also cause an inflammatory response in the body, which can lead to bone loss. 

People with genetic conditions like short stature and osteoporosis are also more likely to be affected by jaw bone loss. Illnesses affecting the immune or circulatory system, eating disorders, cancer treatments, and more can also contribute to bone loss. In addition, missing teeth can shift the surrounding teeth out of alignment, causing further damage to the jawbone and shifting of the surrounding teeth.

How Is Bone Grafting Performed?

When you are undergoing a bone grafting procedure, our doctor will use either your own bone from other areas of the mouth or synthetic material to fill in the damaged areas of your jaw. 

The grafting process can take place over the course of a few months to allow for proper healing. During this time period, you will be fitted with a temporary restoration to protect your teeth while your gums heal. Once your jaw has healed, the dentist will secure the permanent dental crown, bridge, or denture to complete your smile.

Who Needs a Bone Graft?

A patient’s jawbone can shrink over time, usually due to tooth loss or gum disease. This can cause problems with the height of the jaw and may lead to ill-fitting dentures or dental implants. Insufficient jaw bone density also prevents patients from getting dental implants. These issues can be solved with a bone graft.

A bone graft adds bone material to the jaw and helps it to grow again. It is usually done under anesthesia, so the patient won’t be able to feel anything while the graft is being performed. Once the procedure is over, patients will need to wait for their jaw to heal completely before they can have their permanent tooth placed. With good dental hygiene and regular checkups with the dentist, this type of procedure can have lasting results.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Bone Graft?

People who lack the necessary amount of healthy bone in their jaw often experience oral health issues as a result, including tooth loss and gum recession. To replace these lost structures and reestablish a healthy smile, dentists can perform bone grafts to build up the bone in the missing areas. This not only makes future treatments such as dental implants possible but also ensures patients can enjoy the long-term benefits of better oral health.

Another benefit of bone grafting is improved aesthetics. The jawbone is essential to the overall appearance of the face. When there is a lack of sufficient bone structure, the patient may look older than they are. By using grafted materials, the natural contours of the face can be restored so the patient can enjoy a more youthful appearance for years to come.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at our dental practice, Call this number (406) 727-4322 or request an appointment from our website to get a consultation. You can also visit us at 2511 Bobcat Way, Great Falls, MT 59405, or 515 14th Street West, Havre, MT 59501.