Jaw Bone Grafting in Springfield and Hadley, MA

Life Dental Specialties offers jaw bone grafting in Springfield and Hadley, MA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Bone grafting is a reconstructive surgery that helps generate and rebuild bone and increase bone density. Patients may require bone grafting to address defects in their jaws. Patients frequently need jaw bone grafting surgery before receiving dental implants or when they have periodontal disease.

Bone grafting surgery corrects problems that may result from:

• Loss of bone in the jaw area related to tooth loss
• Periodontal/Gum Disease 
• Removal of a tumor
• Birth defects
• Trauma

Builds Up Bone Mass for Implants

Bone grafting is often necessary when a patient wants a dental implant but does not have enough jaw bone to support it. Missing teeth cause gradual bone loss over time, but a graft can build up the jaw bone and give it enough mass to accommodate the implant.

Restores Bone Lost to Periodontal Disease

Like missing teeth, periodontitis (gum disease) can cause bone loss. Bone loss from gum disease can make teeth loose and create more space between them. If you want to save your teeth from being extracted, later on, a bone graft procedure could help.

Corrects Defects

If your jaw is congenitally weak or has structural issues, bone grafting surgery can help to strengthen it. Bone grafts may also come into play when a patient is getting reconstructive dental work.

Aesthetic Reasons

Surgeons also employ bone grafts for cosmetic reasons. When people lose teeth or have jaw problems, their faces may develop a "sunken" look. Jaw bone grafting helps to restore a patient's facial contours.

If you are missing teeth and want to get implants, bone grafting will probably be necessary. The longer the original tooth is missing, the more bone mass disappears.

Also, if you have periodontal disease and are experiencing tooth problems as a result, bone grafting surgery may be able to help you keep your teeth. Most people easily tolerate jaw bone grafting surgery on an outpatient basis.

Life Dental Specialties focuses on periodontics and dental implants. Dr. Anthony Quinta is a board-certified periodontist and dental implant surgeon. He has created a warm and friendly atmosphere in his practice while upholding the highest standard of care.

Dentists have multiple options when it comes to the bone graft material. Frequently, bone comes from a donor bank or animal tissue. Sometimes, dentists use synthetic bone material.

If a more considerable amount of bone is needed, the dentist may recommend harvesting bone material from the patient's body.

Getting a bone graft with material that does not come from the body is a simple procedure. The surgeon will give you anesthesia so you will not experience any pain during the procedure.

The surgeon then makes an incision in the gum where the bone will go. The surgeon will insert the material between two bone sections that should grow together. The surgeon then secures the material with a dissolvable adhesive or special membrane. The incision then receives stitches.

After surgery, swelling is the most common side effect. You will probably experience minor discomfort, which can be treated with ice packs and medication. It should take about 7 to 14 days for the incision in the gum to heal.

A bone graft takes about 3 to 6 months to grow into the point where a dental implant can be placed.

Yes, a bone graft can be completed in the same procedure as an extraction. This process saves patients time in preparing for their implant surgery.

It is best to see a specialist if you need bone grafts in preparation for dental implants or to preserve teeth compromised by gum disease. Life Dental Specialties offers this care at our Springfield and Hadley, MA, offices. Contact us at www.teethr4life.com to find out more information and arrange an appointment.