A strong jawbone is important to your overall dental health, as well as your confidence. Full Smile Periodontics offers a variety of treatments to improve your oral health, including bone grafting. Bone grafting is a safe, effective solution that is used to restore bone structure to improve your smile for years to come. Bone grafts can be necessary due to gum disease, to help rebuild, or prepare for dental implants.

What Is Bone Grafting? 

Bone grafting is used to replace jawbone tissue that has diminished over time. Using advanced techniques, the team at Full Smile Periodontics places biocompatible bone material in the areas where the bone has deteriorated. This artificial bone stimulates natural growth, and over time, integrates with your jawbone to create a more solid foundation.

Why Might Someone Need A Bone Graft? 

Dr. Plata may choose to do a gum graft for many reasons, including:

• Gum Disease: When gum disease goes too far, it can lead to significant bone loss. Eventually, the stability of your teeth will be compromised.
• Tooth Loss: When a tooth is missing, the jawbone surrounding it will eventually begin to deteriorate.
• Implant Prep: Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth, but aren’t possible without a healthy jawbone. For those interested in dental implants who don’t have a healthy enough jawbone, bone grafts can pave the path to implants being possible.

Sometimes, grafts are needed due to trauma, injury, or genetics. No matter the reason, Full Smile Periodontics has a solution.

Types of Dental Bone Grafts

When it comes to grafting, there are multiple types available. The kind of graft used depends on your specific situation. 

• Autograft: This is when a bone comes from your own body.
• Allograft: In this case, bone is sourced from a donor.
• Xenograft: This type of graft is sourced from an animal, like a cow for example.
• Alloplast: An Alloplast bone graft is created out of synthetic material.

Bone Graft Procedure at Full Smile Periodontics 

Our team is highly experienced in bone grafting, so you can feel confident your experience will be safe, comfortable, and successful. 

• Consultation: When you schedule an appointment with Full Smile Periodontics, you will be provided with an extensive consultation to determine your oral health needs. This appointment will feature a thorough evaluation that includes advanced imaging to get a good look at your bone structure.
• Procedure: The bone grafting procedure begins with anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Plata will make a small incision in your gums at the place of loss. After cleaning the area, we will add the bone graft to the correct location. It will be covered with a piece of membrane to protect it as it heals. The incision will then be closed with stitches. Most patients report the procedure causes little to no pain.
• Healing: Over time, the bone graft will fuse into your natural bone, restoring strength and stability for long-term health.

After your procedure, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth with follow-ups scheduled to monitor progress. Follow-up care will include a temporary soft-food diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and managing pain with proper medication. Full Smile Periodontics will be here for you every step of the way to guarantee a smooth recovery!

Benefits of Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting is a great step toward a lasting improvement in your oral health. The many benefits include:

• Improved Oral Health: Bone grafts will strengthen the jaw bone to help prevent further bone or tooth loss.
• Improved Appearance: Strengthening the jaw will also improve the appearance of your facial structure. Deteriorating jaw bones can lead to a sunken, aged appearance that grafts help avoid.
• Implant Ability: Without healthy jaw bones, dental implants aren’t possible. Grafts create a stronger foundation to allow for implants.

Not only will you have an improved oral function, but you will have a marked improvement in your appearance so you can feel better about your appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Periodontics

Q: How Long Does It Take For Bone Grafts to Heal?

A: Healing looks different for everyone, but it generally takes 3-6 months for grafts to fully integrate with your natural bone. The initial discomfort and swelling after surgery will last for about a week.

Q: Is Getting A Bone Graft Painful? 

A: During the procedure, you won’t feel anything since you will be under anesthesia. Most patients report little pain after surgery, but you may have some mild discomfort for about a week. This can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Q: Why Do I Need A Bone Graft?

A: Patients may need a bone graft to rebuild jaw bone structure to make dental implants possible, to correct bone loss from gum disease, or to repair jaw trauma.

Q: How Much Does A Bone Graft Cost? 

A: The cost of a bone graft depends on the type of graft, the complexity of your specific procedure, and your insurance coverage. Our team will go over detailed financial information with you during your consultation appointment.

Schedule A Consultation with Full Smile Periodontics Today! 

If bone grafting sounds like something that you might benefit from, schedule an appointment with Full Smile Periodontics today! With our extensive expertise and personalized care, we’re confident we can deliver the results you’re looking for.

Full Smile Periodontics
4515 Van Winkle Dr.
Amarillo, TX 79119

806-699-6111

[email protected]