Most oral surgeries are designed to address a specific type of problem, and jawbone grafting is no exception. However, the specific reasons why you might need jawbone grafting, and whether the treatment might actually benefit your oral health, can depend on several unique factors of your oral health. Today, examine what jawbone grafting is designed to accomplish, and how you might know if it should be a part of your overall smile restoration plan.
What jawbone grafting accomplishes
Jawbone grafting means to graft a small amount of donor bone structure or similar biocompatible material to an area of your jawbone that’s lost some of its mass and density. The surgical process isn’t as common as other oral health procedures, but may be necessary if you experience a concern that negatively impacts the overall strength and integrity of the bone structure. For example, if you experience severe periodontal disease, one of the symptoms may include erosion of your healthy, natural jawbone structure in the area where the disease has developed.
Reasons your jawbone might lose mass or density
The erosion of your jawbone caused by severe periodontal disease is one reason why it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss. This loss of jawbone integrity can lead to the loosening or loss of one or more teeth by the time you address it. In addition, the loss of a tooth’s root, whether it’s due to periodontal disease or another concern, can also negatively impact the overall integrity of your jawbone structure. Your natural teeth roots are vital to stimulating the jawbone and maintaining a healthy flow of minerals and nutrients, and losing teeth roots can lead to a loss of this stimulation.
Fully restoring your jawbone and smile
For many patients who are good candidates for jawbone grafting, the grafting procedure is only part of their overall treatment plans. Restoring their smiles and oral health may also require addressing the cause of their jawbone’s degradation, such as managing their periodontal disease and/or replacing their lost teeth roots. For example, patients who receive dental implant posts, which are made to replace the roots of your lost teeth, may benefit from jawbone grafting to fortify their dental ridges if they’ve experienced significant loss of mass and density in the area.
Learn if you can benefit from jawbone grafting
If your jawbone needs a boost to its overall strength and integrity, then jawbone grafting could be an essential part of your overall treatment plan. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
