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Bone Grafting
Washington DC

Bone Grafting

You may need a bone graft if your jawbone has been compromised due to missing teeth or severe gum disease. At DC Dental Spa, our specialists can conduct your bone graft procedure to help restore your jawbone density.

If a tooth or teeth are missing, either accidentally or extracted, and are not replaced soon, the risk of the jawbone deteriorating and atrophying increases dramatically. The loss of bone in the jaw will become inevitable if the issue is not addressed. This does not mean that the jawbone cannot be restored. You may have the option to replace the lost bone tissue in the jaw so that you can then place a more permanent tooth replacement, such as a dental implant. This first step is done by performing a dental bone graft.

Our trained professionals at DC Dental Spa are experienced with the dental bone grafting process. Our state-of-the-art technology and the friendly atmosphere will help you address this solution and the results quickly. Call 202-333-9282 for an initial consultation and let us help you reverse that jawbone deterioration and bring back your healthy smile.

What Is A Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a procedure that involves the placement of a bleached bone like powder or a synthetic material next to the jaw to encourage the depleted bone tissue in that area to grow more bone density. Sometimes a synthetic material may be the right option for your needs, but there is also the option of using the bone of a donor, or sometimes even an animal. If either of these are indeed used, they are properly disinfected and bleached before being used for your dental bone grafting procedure.

Why Would I Need A Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft will not only restore the integrity of the jawbone, but it can also the jawbone become strong enough to accept a dental implant post. Most often, a dental bone graft is used prior to the placement of a dental implant to secure its success. Whether it is a single tooth implant, or multiple teeth, or a denture supported by several implants, the integrity of the jawbone is essential for the strength and stability of all dental implants.

Do Bone Grafts Always Work?

While dental bone grafts are an excellent and quite popular solution for patients that do not have enough bone density to perform a dental implant procedure, it is important to disclose that dental bone grafts do not come with guarantees. There are occasions when the dental bone graft might become infected, causing discomfort or even the failing of the graft. While we will do everything we can at DC Dental Spa to ensure the success of your dental bone graft, sometimes grafts simply do not take. If this is the case, then other options will need to be considered.

Different Types of Dental Bone Grafts

While the basics of the dental bone graft procedures are all the same, there are a few different types of dental bone grafts that are specific to the situation. The three main dental bone grafts are:

  • Socket Grafting– Socket grafting is the most common dental bone graft procedure since it allows you to maintain the structure of your jawbone immediately after a tooth extraction. Socket grafting involves the placement of the bone grafting material right after an extraction that then allows for continued bone growth and strength. After a few months, the jawbone should be fully restored, then allowing for the placement of a dental implant.
  • Bone Substitute– Bone substitute is used when there is bone loss that needs to be repaired or replaced. This procedure involves the placement of the bone grafting material that is then covered with a membrane and allowed to heal. This process also encourages bone growth. Once the bone has regained its strength and density, an implant can be placed.
  • Blocks– Sometimes when the bone loss has become far more severe resulting in the necessity for more grafting material. Dental bone grafting blocks can be used when there are large chunks of bone tissue that have been lost. This procedure involves the placement of a block of grafting material that is secured with titanium screws. After around 4-5 months of recovery, the screws will be removed, and the dental implant can then be placed.

Ultimately, the best dental bone graft for your particular needs is a decision that we will make together upon an evaluation.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a dental procedure that involves the placement of a titanium post into the jawbone that is then used to hold an artificial crown in place via an abutment or extension on the post. While the most common form of dental implant is the placement of a post for a single tooth, there are also quite a few other options.

Implants are used more frequently to anchor dental implant bridges, which are a sort of hybrid of both dental implants and a dental bridge. For this to be successful, the bone needs to be strong enough in several spots to allow for the bridge to be placed. Like a traditional dental bridge, the artificial crown may be placed over the area where the jawbone is compromised—if there is enough healthy bone on either side to allow for the placement of the implants.

Another dental implant option is an implant denture. There are various forms of implant dentures, but they all function the same, with the mechanism of titanium rods implanted to hold the appliance in place.

For any of these replacement options there needs to be enough healthy bone available to place the implant or implants. If there is not, then a dental bone graft may be necessary to ensure the success of the implant. Implants are an excellent choice if you wish to maintain a strong bite and want to be able to speak and chew much like you did before the tooth or teeth were missing. Dental implants totally give the appearance of natural teeth—allowing you to continue to smile with confidence. For a huge boost of self-esteem and for the continued ability to chew, bite and speak, then dental implants are an excellent option for you.

High Quality Care You Can Trust

At DC Dental Spa our downtown office attempts to accommodate your busy schedule. Our entire staff finds gratification in developing strong and lasting relationships with each of our patients. We recognize the value in the trust that our patients place in us. We are quite deliberate about exercising preventative overall dental health and delivering the enjoyment that comes with your healthy smile. Visit us today at DC Dental Spa, 730 24th St. NW, Suite 9, Washington, DC, 20037, or call 202-333-9282 for an evaluation and consultation to address your jawbone density and to review the best options to return the health of your smile.

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