Washington Periodontics

Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting

BONE AND SOFT

TISSUE GRAFTING

Grafting procedures are done to restore your tissues to as close to their previous form following tooth loss, gum disease or trauma.

Bone grafting might sound daunting or unfamiliar, but it is necessary to help with various oral health concerns, from cavities to periodontal disease. We offer our patients bone grafting at Washington Periodontics in Burke, Virginia. Bone grafting is not only about creating a solid foundation for your smile; it’s about restoring the very structure of your jawbone.

WHY CHOOSE A PERIODONTIST

Being a Periodontist, Dr. Karapetian can restore your bone to its previous form following tooth loss, gum disease or trauma.

Expertise and Training:

Periodontists receive an additional 3 years of specialized training and education in periodontics and implantology, beyond the standard four years of dental school.

Experience:

Dr. Karapetian has placed thousands of implants and has been delivering exquisite results for many years. Dr. Karapetian has completed advanced training in the newest dental implant surgical techniques.

State-of-the-Art Surgical Center:

Our practice is designed to deliver exceptional patient care using the most advanced technology available.

For patients who have had missing teeth for some time with the typical resultant bone loss, we’re able to employ a variety of options for your bone grafting procedure.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue to areas of the jaw that are deficient in bone. In dentistry, this technique is used to prepare a site for an implant, augment localized ridge defects, or restore the facial contours that support teeth and create a harmonious smile.

Causes of Bone Loss in the Jaw

The jawbone can undergo atrophy due to various reasons, including:

Tooth loss and cavities: When a tooth is removed or decays significantly, the jawbone that previously supported the tooth can begin to deteriorate.
Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to significant bone loss as it attacks the tissues and bones that support the teeth.
Trauma or injury: Severe accidents can cause fractures and \require structural repair.
Tumors and cysts: Abnormal growths in the mouth can damage the surrounding bone tissue, necessitating reconstruction.

Who Needs Bone Grafting

Dr. Christine Karapetian may recommend bone grafting if:

You plan to get dental implants after a long period of tooth loss.
Your bone loss is severe and needs restoration for aesthetics or function purposes.
You have a dental infection that has led to bone loss.
Tumors have caused issues with the structure of your jaw.

Bone Grafting Procedure

The bone grafting process typically unfolds in these general phases:

Consultation and Planning: Dr. Karapetian will evaluate your case and develop a personalized treatment plan. Discussions will involve the type of bone graft we use, ranging from autografts (your bone) to allografts (donor bone).
Surgery: On the day of the procedure, Dr. Karapetian makes an incision in the area of the deficient bone and places the graft material. The graft site is then closed with stitches.
Healing: Over the next several months, your body will grow new bone at the graft site. This is called “osseointegration.”

Recovery and Aftercare

After your bone graft, you’ll receive detailed instructions to ensure proper healing:

Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Manage swelling and discomfort with medications.
Avoid certain foods and maintain a soft diet to protect the graft site.
Follow strict oral hygiene, including limited brushing and a prescribed mouthwash.
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Expected Healing Timeline

Everyone’s healing process varies, but you can anticipate:

Initial healing: The first two weeks involve tissue healing.
Bone regeneration: Over 4 to 6 months, the transplanted bone fuses with the existing bone.
Implant placement: Once healing is complete, the site is ready for your dental implant.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

Improved Dental Implant Success Rates: For those told they do not have enough bone for a dental implant, bone grafting can rewrite that narrative. It significantly enhances the success rate of dental implants.
Restored Facial Structure and Aesthetics: Bone loss in the jaw can cause changes in facial structure and sagging. Bone grafting can help maintain the natural contours of your face and prevent the ‘shrunken’ look that often accompanies missing teeth.
Enhanced Chewing Function: With a strong foundation, you can chew and enjoy food, usually without concerns about discomfort or instability. This normal chewing function further contributes to your body’s nutrition and health.

Bone Grafting in Burke, VA

Bone grafting may not be the most spoken-about topic in dental circles, but it’s the hero of their oral health story for many patients. It’s an integral part of the process of rebuilding smiles and confidence. With the help of our award-winning periodontist, Dr. Christine Karapetian, you can restore your smile and, through understanding the process, experience less anxiety. Please schedule a consultation with our team today, and remember, with bone grafting, dentistry has a powerful tool to restore that foundation, quite literally, from the ground up.