What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting at Holistic Periodontics uses cutting-edge treatments to replace lost bone in your jaw. Dr. Civelek uses transplanted bone to rebuild and repair damaged bone. He uses bone from other parts of your body, donated bone, algae grafts, or other biocompatible materials to restore your jawbone.
During bone grafting procedures, Dr. Civelek inserts new bone into the areas of your jaw that need rebuilding. Over time, the new bone cells fuse to your existing jawbone.
Am I a candidate for bone grafting?
To find out if you're a candidate for bone grafting, Dr. Civelek reviews your oral health history and examines your teeth and gums. He uses imaging procedures to get a more in-depth view of the inside of your jawbone.
The most common cause of jawbone loss is gum disease. If you have permanent tooth loss because of gum disease and desire dental implants to replace the missing teeth, jawbone grafting could be the solution for you.
What should I expect during bone grafting?
Before bone grafting at Holistic Periodontics, Dr. Civelek numbs the treatment area using a local anesthetic to ensure that you avoid discomfort. He also offers you a sedative to relax, making the procedure more comfortable.
Dr. Civelek then makes tiny incisions in your gums to gain access to the jawbone. He cleans and disinfects the treatment area before adding bone grafting materials to the parts of your jaw containing too little bone. He often covers the graft with a membrane for added protection before repositioning your gums and closing the incisions.
What happens after bone grafting?
After undergoing bone grafting at Holistic Periodontics, it’s essential to follow all of the instructions your periodontist has given you. You can expect some tenderness, swelling, or bruising, but these side effects usually disappear within a few days. Take medications as directed by Dr. Civelek.
Small bone fragments like grains of sand could fall off over the next few days. Contact Dr. Civelek if you experience any concerning symptoms.
How long will my recovery take?
You should be back to normal within 1-2 weeks, but complete healing could take 3-9 months, sometimes longer. Some people return to work or school the day after bone grafting, but you might need a day or two to rest.
Recovery times differ from patient to patient. After your jawbone fully heals, Dr. Civelek can talk with you about receiving dental implants to anchor new artificial teeth.
Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about bone grafting at Holistic Periodontics and find out if it’s right for you.
