Bone Graft Downey CA

Diagram of dental implant into jaw bone at Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Downey, CA

When one or more natural teeth are lost, it is natural for patients to experience bone loss in the area that was once home to the natural teeth. This bone loss can lead to a number of concerns, with one being that patients cannot qualify for dental implants if they have bone regression. At Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we carefully evaluate the needs of our patients so that we can recommend the correct treatment to meet individual needs. Get in touch with us to see if a jawbone graft may provide the right solution for you.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a common dental procedure performed to the jaw by our experts at Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Bone grafting is when bone graft material (new bone) is added on top of old bone that has experienced resorption. Resorption is when bone withers away from lack of consistent stimulation, or from other factors such as periodontal disease, aging, and more. This can complicate the placement of dental implants. Bone grafting reverses this, creating a safe and stable platform for implants by adding new bone that gets your body to grow its old bone over it, eventually replacing it.

Can I Prevent Bone Loss?

Keeping your teeth is an important part of preserving a healthy jawbone. If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can help to protect your teeth from damage.

Maintaining a thorough oral health routine is paramount in protecting the mouth from gum disease. Gum disease is often curable during its early stages, but as the disease is silent and pain-free you may not even be aware you have it. Regular check-ups with our dentist will aid detection, with professional dental hygiene treatments supplemented by a thorough cleaning regime at home helping to keep things on track.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for a Bone Graft?

You will need to be in good general health, and you will also need an assessment from our dentist to ensure that a bone graft is the best option for your particular circumstances. Typically, if you are having a tooth extracted, a bone graft in the socket at the time of the extraction will help to keep the socket walls from caving in. If you are contemplating getting dental implants you may need a bone graft. Bone grafting is an option if your jawbone has suffered degeneration because of advanced periodontal disease and needs augmenting prior to the dental implant procedure.

Recovery

Bone grafts may take a while for a full recovery, but the actual symptoms of recovery will not last long. You will likely have some swelling and your mouth may feel tender for a couple of days after surgery. We generally recommend over-the-counter pain medication to our patients. We also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent post-op infection. If your symptoms last more than a week, be sure to give us a call.

You will receive specific instructions on what foods to avoid following the surgery. You will be limited to soft foods for a few days. Some patients are restricted to a cold diet while others are restricted to eating only warm foods. The diet instructions will depend on your specific surgery.

Bone grafts can take up to six months to heal fully, so you will not be ready for dental implants right away.