Bone Grafting
in St Johns County, FL
In the same way that muscles are maintained through exercise, bone tissue is maintained by use. Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, and stimulate the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives the necessary stimulation and begins to break down, or resorb. The body no longer uses or “needs” the jawbone, so it deteriorates. When this happens, a dental bone graft can help add volume and density to the affected area.
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There are several reasons why a bone graft may be necessary, including:
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Dental implants: If a patient is missing one or more teeth, a bone graft may be necessary to provide sufficient bone density to support a dental implant.
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Tooth extraction: If a tooth is extracted, without root stimulation the jaw bone in that area may start to deteriorate. If not replaced the surrounding teeth may start to shift into the empty space. A bone graft can help prevent bone loss and maintain the integrity of the jaw.
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Trauma or injury: Trauma to the jaw or face can result in bone loss, which may require a bone graft to restore the bone structure.
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Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease can cause bone loss in the jaw. A bone graft may be necessary to help restore the bone structure and prevent further damage.
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Congenital defects: Some people may be born with a jaw structure that is underdeveloped or misshapen. In such cases, a bone graft can help rebuild the jaw and improve its appearance and function.
Overall, a bone graft in the jaw can help restore bone structure and density, enabling a patient to have a healthy and functional mouth. Rest assured we use the most reliable, advanced tools available to make sure each graft goes as smoothly as possible. Contact us in St Johns County Florida today to learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Woodling.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
Dental bone grafts, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentations are all procedures that can help restore the bone structure in the jaw, leading to several benefits, including:
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Improved dental health: By restoring the bone structure in the jaw, these procedures can help prevent further tooth loss and improve the success rate of dental implants.
Improved facial appearance: When bone loss occurs in the jaw, it can lead to a sunken or sagging appearance in the cheeks or lips. Dental bone grafts, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentations can help restore the natural contours of the face, improving the patient's overall appearance.
Increased self-confidence: When missing teeth or bone loss affects the appearance of the smile, it can lead to self-consciousness and a lack of confidence. Restoring the bone structure in the jaw can help improve the patient's self-esteem and quality of life.
Enhanced functionality: When bone loss occurs in the jaw, it can affect the ability to chew and speak properly. Dental bone grafts, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentations can help restore the function of the jaw and improve the patient's ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Long-term results: Dental bone grafts, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentations can provide long-lasting results, improving the patient's dental health and overall well-being for years to come.
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The easiest course of action is to complete a bone graft at Woodling Oral Surgery with Dr. Tyler Woodling in Ponte Vedra, FL to improve dental health and functionality while enhancing appearance and self-confidence!
Remember, if there is no implant or tooth to create root stimulation, the bone may slowly recede and the shape of the face can appear "sunken" over time. You may also experience pain, problems with your remaining teeth, and eventually even the inability to speak and eat normally. This is why it is imperative to seek tooth replacement options even if ridge augmentation or bone grafting is needed.
Types of bone grafting:
​The type of bone grafting you need largely depends on the shape of your jaw and your overall goals for treatment. When designing your custom treatment plan, we use 3D scans to view the structure of your jawbone. Prior to any surgical procedure, we will discuss your options for anesthesia or sedation. Some of the most common bone grafting procedures include:
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Socket Preservation. Sometimes called ridge preservation, this type of graft is placed in the socket immediately after a tooth extraction. It fills the void left behind by the missing tooth and prevents the sides of the socket from caving in.
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Ridge Augmentation. If your teeth have been missing for a while, the supporting jawbone may be thinner than it was before. Ridge augmentation increases the width and volume of the jawbone so it can provide a stable foundation for implants or other restorative options.
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Sinus Lift. The maxillary sinuses sit just above your upper back teeth. If the upper back teeth are missing, the sinuses can drop down and invade the space once occupied by the teeth roots. In this scenario, you wouldn’t want to place implants because they would penetrate the sinus membrane. To address this problem, Dr. Woodling at Nocatee Oral Surgery can perform a sinus lift. where we place a bone graft between the sinus and the molars, creating a solid foundation for a dental implant.
Watch Different Types of Grafts
Watch a Ridge Augmentation
Material Used for Bone Grafts
There are several types of dental bone grafting, including:
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Autograft: This is a bone graft material that is taken from another area of the patient's body, typically from the chin, hip, or tibia. Autografts are considered the gold standard in bone grafting as they have the highest success rate due to their ability to fuse well with the patient's existing bone.
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Allograft: This is a bone graft material sourced from a human tissue bank. The donor bone is thoroughly processed, cleaned, and sterilized before being used. Allografts are commonly used in dental bone grafting procedures and are a good option for patients who cannot or do not want to use their own bone.
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Xenograft: This is a bone graft material sourced from an animal, usually a cow or a pig. The animal bone is thoroughly processed to remove all organic materials, leaving only the mineral structure of the bone. Xenografts are considered safe and effective and are commonly used in dental bone grafting procedures.
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Alloplast: This is a synthetic bone graft material made of biocompatible materials such as calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, and hydroxyapatite. Alloplasts are an effective alternative to natural bone grafts and can be used in patients who are unable to use their own bone or who do not want to use a donor's bone.
The type of bone graft used will depend on the patient's specific needs and the preferences of the dental surgeon.