Bone Grafting in Tampa

Bone Grafting: Restoring Your Smile and Oral Health

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure designed to restore bone lost due to missing teeth, injury, or disease. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time, as the bone no longer receives the necessary stimulation it once did from chewing and biting. This can result in bone resorption, making dental implant placement difficult or even impossible. Bone grafting allows us to rebuild and restore bone in these areas, providing a foundation for implants and improving both the function and aesthetics of the smile.

Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?

When teeth are lost, whether from trauma, extraction, or disease, the jawbone begins to shrink and deteriorate. This happens because the bone no longer receives stimulation from the roots of the teeth, which naturally helps maintain its density and shape. Over time, this leads to a reduction in the bone’s volume and quality, which can complicate implant placement and lead to issues such as:

• Drifting or loosening of remaining teeth
• Altered facial structure with a sunken appearance
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, and eating properly
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain, facial pain, and headaches
• Skin wrinkles around the mouth and loss of lip support

The good news is that bone grafting can reverse these effects by promoting bone growth and providing a solid foundation for implants, enabling better long-term oral health.

What Causes Jaw Bone Loss?

Several factors can contribute to jaw bone loss, including:

1. Tooth Extractions: When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the surrounding bone deteriorates due to lack of stimulation. This process begins within the first 18 months and can continue gradually over time.

2. Periodontal Disease: Infections in the gums can lead to the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, this can cause severe bone loss and tooth mobility.

3. Dental Appliances (Dentures/Bridges): Traditional dentures do not stimulate the underlying bone, which can lead to bone loss. Even bridgework, while providing some stimulation, can result in bone deterioration in the areas where teeth are missing.

4. Facial Trauma: Injuries or accidents that cause tooth loss or fractures can stop bone stimulation and lead to bone deterioration.

5. Misalignment and TMJ Disorders: Teeth that don’t align properly can lead to over-eruption of some teeth and loss of bone where there is no opposing tooth. Conditions like TMJ disorder can also disrupt proper chewing and contribute to bone loss.

6. Osteomyelitis: An infection in the bone that can result in bone loss, requiring bone grafting to restore the affected area.

7. Tumors and Developmental Deformities: Both benign and malignant tumors can lead to bone loss in the jaw, necessitating reconstructive grafting procedures.

8. Sinus Deficiencies: When molars are removed from the upper jaw, the maxillary sinus cavity can expand, causing bone loss in the back of the upper jaw. A “sinus lift” can be performed to treat this condition and restore bone for implant placement.

Types of Bone Grafting

There are different types of bone grafting techniques, each suited to specific patient needs. Your oral surgeon will determine the best option based on your unique situation.

1. Autogenous Bone Grafts (Autografts): These grafts use bone from your own body, typically harvested from the chin, jaw, hip, or leg. Autografts are ideal because they are made of living bone cells, which enhance healing and reduce the risk of rejection. However, they require a second surgical site to harvest the bone.

2. Allogenic Bone Grafts (Allografts): This type of graft uses bone harvested from a cadaver and processed to eliminate the risk of infection. Allogenic grafts serve as a scaffold over which your own bone can grow. While they don’t have the bone-forming properties of autografts, they are an effective alternative and avoid the need for a second surgery.

3. Xenogenic Bone Grafts (Xenografts): Sourced from non-human animals, usually cows, xenografts are processed at high temperatures to eliminate the risk of immune rejection. Like allogenic grafts, they act as a scaffold for new bone growth, but they are also less predictable than autografts.

4. Bone Graft Substitutes: These synthetic materials are often used as alternatives to real bone and include options such as:

   • Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) or Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA), which contains proteins and growth factors to encourage bone regeneration.
   • Graft Composites that combine different graft materials and growth factors for improved outcomes.
   • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), which naturally regulate bone healing and growth.

Major Bone Grafting Procedures

Major bone grafting is typically required when significant jawbone loss has occurred, especially in cases of trauma, injury, or disease. In these cases, a large amount of bone may need to be restored. Common donor sites for autogenous bone include the hip (iliac crest), lower leg (tibia), and skull (cranium).

In addition to harvesting bone from another part of your body, special membranes may be used to guide the growth of new bone. This process, called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration, helps to ensure that the bone heals in the right place and grows back more effectively.

How Long Does Bone Grafting Take?

The time required for bone grafting varies depending on the extent of the bone loss and the type of graft used. For smaller grafts, healing might take a few months, while larger grafts can take up to six months or more for full healing. Your surgeon will closely monitor your recovery and ensure that you are ready for dental implant placement once the graft has fully integrated with the surrounding bone.

What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting can significantly improve your oral health and quality of life by:

• Restoring the ability to place dental implants, allowing for a fully functional and aesthetic smile
• Preventing further bone loss and protecting remaining teeth
• Enhancing facial structure and appearance by restoring bone volume
• Improving chewing, speaking, and overall oral function

Are You a Candidate for Bone Grafting?

If you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth, injury, disease, or other factors, you might be a candidate for bone grafting. Schedule a consultation with our oral surgery team to discuss your options. We’ll provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and help you restore both the functionality and beauty of your smile.

Call Today for a Consultation!

Don’t let bone loss affect your oral health or appearance. Contact the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants at Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Office Phone Number (813) 968-5400 or book your appointment online. Take the first step toward a pain-free, confident smile with expert care from Dr. Valiente and our team.