Imagine discovering your dream home, only to learn that the foundation needs significant work before you can start renovations. Your jawbone may face a similar challenge when preparing for dental implants. Just like your home, bone grafting acts as the foundational repair your jaw may need to create a strong, stable base for your new replacement teeth.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we understand the questions and concerns that come along with advanced dental procedures. Our experienced team has been helping patients in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake restore their oral health through advanced bone grafting techniques and dental implants. We take pride in being your hometown oral surgeon, providing personalized care while maintaining the highest standards of treatment.
Understanding Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure where bone material is placed in areas of the jaw where natural bone has deteriorated or is insufficient. Think of it as adding fertile soil to a garden bed before planting. The graft material can come from your own body, a donor source, or synthetic material. Over time, this graft material integrates with your existing bone, creating a stronger, more stable base for dental implants or other treatments.
The process stimulates new bone growth through a natural healing response. Your body recognizes the graft material and begins forming new bone tissue around it. This biological process, called osseointegration, typically takes several months to complete but results in a solid, permanent foundation for your future dental work.
Who Benefits from Bone Grafting
Many patients require bone grafting before receiving dental implants. When you lose a tooth, the neighboring jawbone begins to deteriorate by 25% within the first three months and nearly 50% by month six. Without the tooth root to encourage bone growth, the bone gradually shrinks away. This leaves insufficient bone to support an implant securely.
Patients who have experienced gum disease, facial trauma, or congenital conditions may also need bone grafting. Additionally, those who have worn dentures for extended periods often develop bone loss due to a lack of stimulation in the jaw. Some patients require grafting to improve facial support and prevent the sunken appearance that comes with significant bone loss. Young patients who lose teeth due to injury or infection particularly benefit from bone grafting, as it preserves their facial structure as they age.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we use several bone grafting techniques and materials based on your specific needs and the complexity of your case.
Autografts
Autografts use bone from your own body, typically harvested from another area of your jaw or sometimes from your hip. These grafts integrate most successfully because they contain your own bone-forming cells.
Allografts
Allografts utilize processed donor bone from tissue banks. This eliminates the need for a second surgical site in your body while still providing excellent results. Synthetic bone grafts use manufactured materials that mimic natural bone structure and encourage new bone growth.
Socket Preservation
Socket preservation is a common style of bone grafting performed immediately after tooth extraction. This procedure prevents the rapid bone loss following extraction and maintains the socket’s shape for future implant placement.
Major Grafts
Major grafts may be necessary for patients with significant bone loss, requiring more extensive procedures and longer healing times.
The Bone Grafting Process
Your bone grafting procedure begins with an evaluation using advanced imaging technology. Our team utilizes cone beam CT imaging to precisely assess your bone structure and plan your procedure accordingly. This detailed view helps us determine the exact type and amount of graft material needed.
During the procedure, you’ll receive appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort. We carefully prepare the treatment site and place the graft material where new bone growth is needed. The area gets covered with a protective membrane and sutured closed. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a few days.
Healing typically takes three to six months, but can vary based on the size and location of your graft. During this time, the graft material integrates with your natural bone, forming a strong foundation necessary for successful implant placement.
Trust Goodove Oral Surgery for Your Bone Grafting Needs
At Goodove Oral Surgery, our highly trained surgical staff provides exceptional care throughout your bone grafting procedure. All of our team members are CPR certified, and we maintain operating privileges at several local hospitals, including Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. We take every measure to ensure your safety and comfort, from providing warm blankets during procedures to monitoring you closely throughout treatment.
Our commitment to staying independent, while our competitors go corporate, means you receive personalized attention and quality care tailored to your individual needs. We believe in building lasting relationships with both patients and referring dentists, ensuring continuity of care throughout your treatment journey. Contact our Virginia Beach office at (757) 412-2002 or our Chesapeake office at (757) 819-7002 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how bone grafting can restore your smile.
