A bone graft is an essential oral surgery procedure that helps restore jawbone volume and strength. It is often necessary when the jawbone has deteriorated due to tooth loss, trauma or advanced periodontal disease. Without sufficient bone density, restorative procedures such as dental implants cannot be successfully completed. During a bone graft in Falls Church, Virginia, our dentists will place new bone material in the area where the jawbone has weakened or receded. This transplanted bone may come from your own body, a tissue bank or a synthetic source, depending on your individual needs.
Understanding Why Bone Grafts Are Necessary
The jawbone naturally requires stimulation from chewing to maintain its strength and structure. When a tooth is lost or removed, the surrounding bone no longer receives this stimulation and begins to shrink in a process called resorption. This bone loss can compromise your oral health and alter the shape of your face over time. Bone grafting helps to reverse this damage by encouraging your natural bone to regenerate and fuse with the graft material.
Bone grafts are most commonly used to prepare the jaw for dental implants. Implants require a stable and solid foundation, and grafting helps provide the necessary support. Bone grafting may also be recommended as part of periodontal treatment if gum disease has caused significant bone loss around the teeth. In such cases, the graft can help protect your remaining teeth by stabilizing the bone and gum tissue.
The Bone Grafting Process
The bone grafting procedure is typically performed in-office with local anesthesia. Depending on the extent of grafting needed, sedation options may also be available to ensure your comfort. Our dentists will place the bone material in the targeted area and secure it in place. Over the next several months, your body will naturally integrate the graft material, rebuilding the bone structure. In some cases, a membrane may be used to protect the graft and promote healing.
Recovery times vary, but most patients can resume daily activities within a few days. Our dentists will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress. Healing and bone integration generally take several months before the site is ready for implant placement.
A Strong Foundation for Your Future Smile
Bone grafting in Falls Church, VA, is a safe and effective way to rebuild the strength of your jaw and improve your candidacy for dental implants and other restorative procedures. If you have experienced bone loss or are considering implants, a thorough evaluation will help determine whether a bone graft is right for you. Contact Mosaic Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anuradha Beri, Dr. Ranmeek Kaur or Dr. Pawneet Khangura and take the first step toward restoring your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
What types of bone graft materials are available?
Bone graft materials can come from your own body (autografts), a human tissue donor (allografts), animal sources (xenografts) or be made from synthetic materials. Each type has unique benefits, and our dentists will help determine the best option based on your oral health, treatment goals, and medical history.
Is bone grafting painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication. Mild swelling or soreness may occur for a few days, but our dentists will provide specific care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the size of the graft and your body’s natural healing response. In most cases, it takes several months for the grafted area to fully integrate with your jawbone. Our dentists will monitor healing progress and advise when it is safe to proceed with further treatment.
Can I still get a bone graft if I have gum disease?
Yes, many patients with gum disease can still receive bone grafts. However, the underlying infection must be treated first to create a healthy environment for the graft. Bone grafting may even be used as part of your periodontal treatment plan to help rebuild areas damaged by advanced gum disease.
What areas do you serve?
Our experienced dentists and team provide bone grafting in Falls Church, Virginia, and to patients in the surrounding areas. Call today to schedule your consultation and learn more!
703-533-1733 Falls Church Office