Pasadena Texas Bone Grafting.
The jawbone is designed to hold teeth. When a tooth is lost there is rapid bone loss around the area of the missing tooth. This bone loss is rapid and is very difficult to get back the lost bone volume. This lost bone volume makes future dental implant placement very difficult.
When a tooth is extracted there is a hole (socket). Artificial bone is packed into the socket to preserve the bone volume. The artificial bone is slowly replaced with natural bone.
Why is it important to replace a missing tooth?
The teeth are designed to work together. When a tooth is lost 1) Teeth shift and tilt 2) Increased chewing forces are placed on the remaining teeth 3) Decreased Self-Esteem due to poor cosmetics 4) Unfortunate Stereotypes of uneducated poor social status.
Socket Graft / Ridge Preservation
When a tooth is lost it is vital to replace the missing tooth. If the replacement is not at the time of extraction then a bone graft procedure must be done to preserve the ridge of jawbone. It is quite simple, the bone graft fills a hole in your skull. It is not good to have extra holes in your skull.
WHAT DOES BONE GRAFTING MEAN?
After a tooth extraction, an immediate bone graft is applied to the open socket. The tissues are altered to keep the substance within. Approximately 8 to 12 weeks pass throughout the grafting procedure and healing. When the exposed area is ready for the implant, the patient returns to our Pasadena Dental office for a 3D x-ray and digital implant planning. so the doctor can take an X-ray.
Who Makes an Ideal Candidate for Bone Grafting?
Anyone who is losing bone in their jaw or is at risk of losing bone should consider getting a dental bone graft. When a tooth is pulled, the area of bone where the tooth’s root formerly was is left empty. Your jaw will eventually mend to some extent if you don’t address the gap, but your jawbone will rapidly decrease. Additionally, the space between your teeth may start to shift the teeth next to them. After an extraction, a bone graft can restore volume to the lost bone.
If you suffer bone loss in your jaw due to gum disease, a bone graft can potentially be a possibility for you. Your jawbone can become eroded by untreated gum disease, which can result in tooth and bone loss. Although it first affects your gums, gum disease has the potential to spread to the bone supporting your teeth.
The Importance of Bone Grafting at the Time of Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding jawbone begins to deteriorate almost immediately. Without the natural stimulation the tooth root provides, the bone in that area loses density and volume, a process known as bone resorption. This can lead to significant oral health problems, including changes in facial structure, shifting of nearby teeth, and difficulty in placing future dental restorations, such as implants or dentures.
To prevent bone loss, a bone graft is often recommended at the time of tooth extraction. Bone grafting involves placing bone material in the empty socket where the tooth was removed. This stimulates new bone growth, preserving the height and width of the jawbone. By maintaining the bone structure, the graft ensures there is enough support for future tooth replacement options like dental implants. Additionally, bone grafting promotes better overall oral health by preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth and preserving facial contours.
In short, bone grafting at the time of extraction is crucial for maintaining a strong, healthy jawbone and ensuring long-term success with dental restorations.
About Dr. Michael Nugent:
He is a General Dentist that is located at 3421 Burke Rd, Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. He maintains a full time private practice office that focuses on Family, Cosmetic, Sedation and Implant Dentistry. The practice has been serving Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, League City and Houston for over 40 years. Dr. Nugent is only the second owner of the practice. Our office prides itself in the long term relationships we have fostered over the years. If you are looking for a quality long term dental home, we encourage you to call our office at 713-941-8261
