Bone Grafting Charleston, SC

Many of our patients come to us because they have either lost teeth or are dealing with chronic gum disease. Both of these conditions can point to an even deeper problem, which is the loss of bone in the jaw. This loss of bone matter may result in a sunken facial expression; additionally, it may increase your risk of further tooth loss while compromising your eligibility for dental implants.

The good news is that bone loss can be addressed with a relatively simple surgical procedure known as bone grafting. To learn more about bone grafting in Charleston, SC, reach out to Periodontal Associates in Charleston, SC.

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What is Bone Grafting?

A bone graft begins with the surgeon making a small incision, exposing part of your existing jaw bone. New bone material is then grafted onto that existing bone. If the graft is successful, then your body will begin creating new bone cells around the graft, generating bone tissue in the areas where you need it.

Keep in mind that bone is actually a highly malleable material and that your body is constantly generating new bone cells while eliminating old ones. This is a natural process, but sometimes, faced with a significant bone deficiency, you may need a bone graft to help that process along.

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Different Types of Bone Graft

There are a number of different types of bone grafts that we can perform. When you join us for a consultation at Periodontal Associates, we will assess your situation and advise on the type of bone graft you require. Some of the most common types include:

Block Bone Graft

For patients who have significant bone loss, we may recommend this method, which takes bone tissue from the back of your jaw (near the wisdom teeth) and uses it as grafting material.

Socket Graft

Having a tooth extraction can sometimes result in the deterioration of the surrounding bone tissue. This type of graft is performed at the same time as extraction and helps prevent bone loss.

Sinus Lift

This type of bone graft is generally recommended for patients who have had upper molars removed, to the detriment of the sinus cavity. This bone graft helps restore the sinuses.

Ridge Augmentation

Tooth loss can lead to an indentation in the gums and jaw bone where the tooth once was. Ridge augmentation can help to address this issue and restore the natural contour of the jaw and the gums.

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Am I a Good Candidate for a Bone Graft?

The best way to find out if you require a bone graft is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our periodontists. Generally speaking, the patients who require bone grafts are those who have experienced any of the following conditions:

• Missing teeth or tooth extraction
• Facial trauma, particularly resulting in tooth loss
• Removal of a tumor or cyst in the mouth
• Advanced periodontal disease

Any of these conditions may result in the loss of bone tissue, but a bone graft can offer restoration.

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Meet Your Periodontists

Periodontal Associates strives to provide high-quality oral health care for patients in Charleston, SC. Our providers are known not just for their clinical precision but also for taking plenty of time to get to know each patient and to understand their concerns. Get to know our periodontists better by checking out their individual bios.

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Recovery from a Bone Graft

As with any surgical procedure, there will be a short recovery process. During that recovery period, you can anticipate some minor soreness, swelling, and limitations in what you can eat. Your periodontist will provide specific guidelines and also a prescription for pain medication.

Does Getting a Bone Graft Hurt?

You can expect some tenderness following your bone graft, but what about the procedure itself? At Periodontal Associates, one of our foremost concerns is patient comfort. As such, we will offer sedation options to ensure a pain-free procedure. We will recommend the right sedation option based on the nature of the treatment, patient health, and patient preference.

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Learn More About Getting a Bone Graft in Charleston, SC

Tooth loss is surprisingly common, and those who experience tooth loss may also experience the loss of bone tissue. A bone graft can correct this situation, returning you to full oral health. To learn more about having a bone graft, we welcome you to contact our practice. Schedule a consultation with Periodontal Associates in Charleston, SC at your next opportunity.