If dental decay is allowed to flourish, it can eventually cause tooth and bone loss, making the entire periodontal arch less stable. To halt bone loss, dentists may recommend a dental implant, but the jaw tissue needs to be stable enough to support this addition. Dental bone grafts are sometimes required to pave the way for further restorations. Here is more information about bone grafting, and who is a candidate for this procedure. 

Understanding Dental Bone Grafting

What Is Bone Grafting? 

Bone grafting is a carefully executed procedure in which a small incision is made around the weakened jaw tissue, and grafting material is then inserted around the bone. Grafts can be either material harvested from elsewhere in your body or donor material. After grafts are packed around the damaged bone or placed inside of weakened sockets, the area will be sutured close to allow the graft to heal. As the graft heals, the body replaces the graft with natural bone molecules, creating a strong and stable support system for future repairs. 

Who Is a Candidate For Bone Grafting?

Candidates for bone grafting need to be in good overall health and committed to proper oral hygiene. Additionally, since grafts can take several months to heal, patients should be capable of making certain lifestyle changes to protect the results. For instance, if you are a smoker, you may be asked to quit smoking until the graft completely heals. If you take certain medications, like medicines to prevent osteoporosis, your dentist may advise against bone grafting or dental implants because such medications can change the way the jaw heals. 

Are you concerned about the health of your smile? Although dental procedures can be intimidating, Stephanie ML Wong, DMD, has the experience you need to recover from even the most complex oral health issues. Voted one of the Best Dentists in Hawaii by Honolulu Magazine in 2014, Dr. Wong offers a long list of state-of-the-art dental services, including bone grafting, laser treatments for gum disease, same day crowns, and dental implants. To learn more about her practice, visit her website or call (808) 732-3072.