Bone Graft
Franklin, MA
Bone Graft in Marlborough, MA & Franklin, MA provided by Patrick Shannon DMD & Robert Walsh, DDS at Periodontal Specialists
 As you strive for excellent oral hygiene, it's important not to overlook the critical role that gum and bone health play. Without healthy gums and strong bones, your teeth may be at risk of falling out or becoming damaged. Fortunately, with the help of periodontists, you can address these issues before they become major problems.
At Periodontal Specialists, our periodontists are experts in gum and bone tissue health, with a specific focus on regenerating bone tissue through bone grafting and contouring procedures.
Bone Grafting
The process of bone grafting basically involves our periodontists introducing small bone fragments or complete pieces of bone from other body parts into a void in the jaw. This bone graft material functions as a framework for new bone growth, aiding in the restoration of healthy bone tissue.
There are various types of bone grafting materials, including autografts, allografts, and xenografts. Autografts employ the patient's own bone, while allografts utilize bone from a human donor, and xenografts use bone from an animal donor.
Our periodontist will assess your specific needs and determine the most effective course of action, so you can rest assured that you're in capable hands.
Bone grafting can provide many benefits, including improved dental health, better jawbone structure, and more stable dental implants. Candidates for bone grafting include those who have lost bone due to tooth loss or gum disease, those with a congenital defect, or those who have suffered a traumatic injury to the jaw.
Bone Contouring
Bone contouring is a procedure where a periodontist reshapes the jawbone by removing or adding bone tissue. The goal is to create a better alignment of the teeth and jaw, improve the appearance of the smile, and improve overall dental health. This can be done using a variety of tools and techniques, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
One common technique used in bone contouring is crown lengthening. This procedure involves removing small amounts of bone tissue from around the base of a tooth to expose more of the tooth's surface. This can be done to prepare the tooth for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge, or simply to improve the appearance of the tooth.
Candidates for bone contouring include those with misaligned teeth or an uneven gum line or those who want to improve the appearance of their smile. After the procedure, patients need to take care of the affected area and follow the postoperative care instructions provided by the periodontist.
Differences Between Bone Grafting and Contouring
While both bone grafting and contouring procedures involve working with the jawbone, they are different procedures with unique benefits and risks. The main difference is that bone grafting is a procedure that adds bone tissue to the jaw, while bone contouring removes or reshapes bone tissue.
When considering bone grafting versus bone contouring, our periodontist will take into account the patient's specific needs and the extent of the dental problem.
For example, if a patient has a missing tooth and requires a dental implant, bone grafting may be necessary to build up the jawbone for the implant to be successful. On the other hand, if a patient has an uneven gum line or misaligned teeth, bone contouring may be the best option.
Overall, both are effective but with their own shortcomings. In essence, bone grafting may have potential complications such as infection, graft rejection, or nerve damage, while bone contouring may result in a weakened jaw or an increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
FAQs
What is bone grafting in dentistry?
Bone grafting is a procedure in which bone fragments or complete pieces of bone are introduced into a void in the jaw. This graft material acts as a framework for new bone growth, helping to restore healthy bone tissue. It is often used to improve dental health, stabilize dental implants, and repair jawbone defects.
What are the types of bone grafting materials?
There are three primary types of bone grafting materials: autografts (using the patient’s own bone), allografts (using bone from a human donor), and xenografts (using bone from an animal donor). Your periodontist will determine the most suitable option based on your specific needs.
What is bone contouring and when is it needed?
Bone contouring involves reshaping the jawbone by removing or adding bone tissue to improve dental health, jaw alignment, and smile appearance. It is commonly performed to correct misaligned teeth, uneven gum lines, or to prepare the area for restorations like crowns or bridges.
What is the difference between bone grafting and bone contouring?
Bone grafting adds bone tissue to the jaw to rebuild lost bone, often in preparation for dental implants. Bone contouring, on the other hand, reshapes or removes bone tissue to improve dental alignment or aesthetic appearance. Both procedures address different dental needs and are chosen based on the patient’s condition.
What are the risks associated with bone grafting and contouring?
Bone grafting risks include infection, graft rejection, and nerve damage, while bone contouring may result in a weakened jaw or increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Consulting with an experienced periodontist minimizes these risks and ensures optimal outcomes.
How do I know if I need bone grafting or contouring?
Your periodontist will evaluate your specific dental condition to determine the best course of action. Bone grafting is typically needed for restoring lost bone for implants, while bone contouring is used to correct misalignments or improve smile aesthetics. A thorough consultation will help identify the most suitable procedure.
Schedule With Your Periodontists in Marlborough & Franklin MA
All in all, if you are looking for a reliable dental practice for your needs, then Periodontal Specialists is here for you. Call us at (774) 613-6009 to schedule a consultation. |
