Bone Grafting in Fort Lee, NJ

When you lose a tooth because of gum disease or infection, it is not just a gap between the teeth. The surrounding bone starts to resorb or shrink gradually, causing a number of problems. For example, dental implants need an adequate amount of bone to support them. If the bone is resorbed in the area, it may not be possible to get implants. It can also affect your facial features and smile.

In such cases, the dentist near you might recommend a procedure called bone grafting. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces this missing bone, not only improving your smile but making it easier to receive treatments such as dental implants.

At So Good Dental, our dentist Dr. Shim is a board-certified Periodontist that specializes in providing gum treatment, including bone grafts.

Types of Bone Grafts

There are several types of bone grafts available.

  1. Autograft – It involves taking bone from the same individual.
  2. Allograft – It is derived from humans but another individual, other than the one receiving the graft.
  3. Xenograft – It is derived from species other than humans, such as bovine or porcine.
  4. Alloplast – It is a synthetic bone created in the laboratory.

What Does It Involve?

Bone grafting is a relatively simple procedure and done under local anesthesia. Our dentist in Fort Lee, NJ, will explain the procedure and make sure you are comfortable.

You will be first given a local anesthetic to numb the area. An incision is made in the gums near the receiving site. The gum is gently lifted, and the bone graft is placed in the area. The gums are then stitched back into place.

You will be given post-surgical instructions to follow. It is crucial that you follow the instructions for better healing and faster recovery. You might experience some pain and swelling in the area after the procedure. Take pain medication and apply an ice pack for the swelling. Avoid strenuous physical activity and avoid smoking. Maintain good oral hygiene during this time by gentle brushing and rinsing with warm salt water to prevent infection.

If you would like to learn more about bone grafting near you, contact So Good Dental today!