Dental Bone Graft in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
In just a short six months your jawbone will begin to atrophy once a tooth is lost. This can often leave a predicament in which there is limited jawbone integrity, poor density, and a lack of bone mass making it unsuitable for a successful placement of a dental implant. In this situation you cannot be a candidate for the placement of a dental implant. With the simple addition of a dental bone graft, we now can easily replace bone where it is missing and then encourage new bone growth in that location. This will give us the opportunity to now place successful dental implants and it also gives us a chance to restore proper functionality as well as a healthy, aesthetic appearance.
The Unseen Benefits of a Dental Bone Graft
There is a variety of unseen benefits that come with having a bone grafting procedure performed, but the primary benefit is that having a bone graft placed will allow PerioImplant Associates to restore your smile with dental implants. A successful bone graft not only improves the visual appearance of your restoration, such as a dental implant, a crown, or even denture, but it also improves their functionality. By restoring the structural integrity and jawbone mass, you will decrease the likelihood of any atrophy developing and the additional health issues that come from loss of bone density.
Dental Bone Grafting Success
Even though dental bone grafting has a high success rate, that success is certainly not guaranteed. If you develop and infection in your mouth your dental bone graft could fail and not develop. If this happens, we will consult with you about other options in treating the issue. Even though dental bone grafting has become more popular, it is still a serious procedure. Please reach out to us at PerioImplant Associates to discuss any and all issues you would like to have addressed before we proceed with the treatment.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Dental Bone Grafting Procedure
The dental bone grafting procedure involves using material to both augment and grow new bone. After we administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area, a small incision is made in your gums to access the jawbone. The grafting material is placed next to the bone. Before we suture the incision closed, we add a collagen membrane to stimulate growth. The healing begins immediately after we complete the dental bone graft procedure. After at least few months we will evaluate it to be sure that the graft has become stable and secure. Once PerioImplant Associates is confident the graft is secure and strong, we can proceed with the process of placing the dental implant.
The material used for your specific dental bone graft will depend on your situation. The best results may come from using your own bone for the graft. Depending on the small amount of bone needed, it can be taken from within your mouth. In most cases though the grafting bone material comes from either cadaver donors or synthetic material that has been prepared and bleached of any DNA.
Dental Bone Grafting Aftercare
Following your dental bone graft procedure, it is important to avoid touching the surgical site, and to avoid any vigorous rinsing or brushing. We might include an antibiotic or even a pain medication to help reduce the chance of infection and minimize any discomfort. The gum tissue healing process will take about 7 to 10 days. It is also normal to experience some swelling after your procedure. If you do experience swelling, place ice packs on your cheek for 10-minute increments at time. This type of care usually makes the swelling subside. The most important thing you can do following your dental bone graft procedure is to continue to exercise good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day and for at least two minutes each time and to also floss at least once a day. PerioImplant Associates might also suggest an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
In addition to these simple at-home care practices, you can continue enjoying your healthy smile by complimenting your efforts with regular exams every six months. During these routine checkups, we will conduct proper cleanings and monitor your oral health, identifying issues before they develop. By maintaining these preventative habits, you will be warding off additional issues from developing.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus, and that is to serve you to the best of our ability. It can be natural for you to feel apprehensive or anxious about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding that mindset, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are completely trained to address all your specific issues and concerns. We will share the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a dental bone graft procedure for you. Each staff member will greet you with a smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.