Bone Grafting

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is the act of replacing or strengthening bone in the mouth. At Central Ohio Periodontics, the doctors may recommend a bone grafting procedure when a patient has bone loss in the jawbone caused by missing teeth. Without teeth, the jawbone will begin to lose its shape and deteriorate. Over time, the jawbone reaches a point where there is not enough bone to place a dental implant until the bone is strengthened or reinforced.

There are three types of bone graft procedures: allograft, xenograft, and autogenous.

• Allografts involve the use of human bone. However, allografts usually use bone from cadavers which have been donated to bone banks. All allograft bone material is carefully screened and is determined to be very safe.
• Xenografts replace bone in the area requiring treatment, but the bone comes from a non-human source. In this case, the bone source is usually bovine, or from a cow.
• Autogenous grafts involve taking bone from a separate area of the patient’s body and transplanting it to the area of the jawbone that requires restoration.

What is the Bone Grafting Procedure at Central Ohio Periodontics?

The doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area where the bone graft is needed. An incision will be made to the gums. The new bone will be placed in the jawbone and the site will be closed with stitches.

After surgery, you will be given antibiotics and other medication and will be asked to follow a restricted soft food diet. The dental implant will not be able to be placed until your mouth has fully healed, which is typically about three to nine months.

If you are interested in learning more about Bone Grafting, contact us today at 614-350-0165 or office@centralohioperiodontics.com. We welcome you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!