Bone Grafting: What it is, When to Do It, and Risks or Side Effects.

Bone grafting in San Diego, CA, is a procedure that replaces missing bone in the jaw. The procedure can be done as an emergency measure when you have damaged bone because of disease (such as osteomyelitis) or trauma.

When Should You Get a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting in San Diego, CA is done when there is damage to the jaw or tooth, and bone needs to be replaced. Bone grafts are usually taken from other parts of your body, such as a hipbone. This, though, is not always necessary as the dentist can get the bone matter from donated human cadaverous tissue or animal sources.

This surgery can also be performed with dental implants and dentures to prevent further loss of bone mass due to gum recession. Having missing teeth for an extended period can cause the supporting bone to be reabsorbed by the body. This makes it impossible for the implants to be fixed.

Bone grafting is done in these cases to help prevent further loss of bone mass and to give dentures or dental implants a stable surface for support.

How Can You Prepare for the Grafting Surgery?

Bone grafting surgery is generally much less invasive than other dental procedures and does not need much preparation.

Before you can come for the grafting procedure, it is recommended to avoid eating or drinking for 8 to 12 hours. This will, however, depend on the type of anesthesia you choose. Dental sedation is often used during the procedure, and each type of sedation has specific instructions.

It is also crucial to inform our dentist in 92131 of any medications that you may be using. Some drugs increase the risk of blood clotting during the procedure.

How is Bone Grafting Done?

Bone grafting is done in three steps:

• Bone marrow from your hip or another area of bone tissue is taken. Bone matter contains stem cells that will help to grow new, healthy bones. The harvested bone tissue then goes through centrifugation, which separates the red blood cells and platelets (this is done to reduce the risk of blood clotting during surgery).
• Bone tissue is mixed with a solution made by adding sugar and citric acid. The mixture goes through another process to remove harmful elements like bacteria from the bone grafting material, leaving only healthy stem cells.
• Bone grafts are then placed in the area of bone that needs filling. Bone regeneration can take three to six months and will likely need several follow-up visits.

What Are the Risks of Bone Grafting?

The risks of bone grafting are minimal and consist of bruising or bleeding.

Although it is rare, the body can, at times, reject the bone graft, especially if the procedure was not done properly.

You may also experience infection, swelling, pain, inflammation, nerve injury, and reactions to anesthesia.

It is vital to consult a dentist near you about these risks and what you can do to minimize them.

What Are the Aftercare Instructions and Recovery Process?

Bone grafts are followed by a healing period and typically require four to six weeks before the patient can resume all oral functions. In some cases, the procedure is performed in conjunction with dental implants to support dentures or other prosthetic devices, and the healing may take even longer.

However, how you take care of the gums will determine how successful the treatment will be and how long it takes to heal.

In the first few days after surgery, it is recommended that you take only softer foods that require less chewing. Take plenty of fluids and refrain from using a straw when drinking. Also, avoid acidic and spicy foods or beverages.

It is vital to avoid smoking as it can affect the healing process and increase bleeding.

Consult a dentist in San Diego, CA, when you experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising accompanied by fever and persistent bleeding.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Scripps Poway Dental Care for more information about bone grafting and what you can expect during and after the procedure.