Bone Grafting in
Raleigh, NC

If you have struggled with periodontal disease and tooth loss over the years, you have most likely lost bone tissue in your upper or lower jaw bone. This can pose a problem if you plan on having dental implants placed since this type of procedure requires dense, healthy bone tissue. The purpose of bone grafts is to boost the volume and density of bone tissue. Bone grafts are commonly placed prior to dental implant treatments or following the extraction of a tooth. Following a tooth extraction, the addition of bone tissue helps to limit tissue loss and resorption. 

How Dental Bone Grafts Work - Dental Bone Grafting Raleigh NC

How Dental Bone Grafts Work

While it may seem like bone grafts are drop-in replacements for missing bone tissue, bone grafts are more like a scaffold for new bone growth. Essentially, bone graft materials give your bones something to work with. There are a variety of situations in which bone grafting may be necessary including during socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and/or sinus lift.

Types of Bone Grafts

As we alluded to previously, there are a number of dental bone graft materials available. Bone grafts are chosen based on the indication and, in some instances, may be combined in order to achieve the desired result. Your bone graft may include the following:

Autogenous graft

An autogenous graft uses bone harvested from a patient’s own tissue supply. Autogenous tissue may be take from the patient’s own chin, pelvis, or back of the jaw.

Xenograft

Xenograft tissue is derived from a non-human animal source, typically bovine (cow) or porcine (pig). Before a xenograft is placed, the tissue is cleaned, sterilized, and readied for human implantation. 

Allograft

Allograft tissue is taken from a human tissue bank. Like xenografts, some patients may be apprehensive about receiving tissue that is not their own. But, it is important to remember that donor tissue is sterile and your own tissue will replace the graft tissue over time.

Synthetic graft

Synthetic bone tissue is becoming an increasingly useful option for bone grafts. Synthetic grafts are usually made from hydroxyapatite, although calcium carbonate may be used if a faster resorbing graft is desirable.

Dental Bone Grafting in Raleigh NC

Aftercare

to your treatment plan. Therefore, the general aftercare tips found on this page may differ from those provided by your doctor.

Control bleeding. For the first hour after surgery, you should lightly bite down on a surgical gauze, replacing every hour. You should not switch out the gauze too frequently, as this can disrupt the blood clot and may lead to complications. Some spot bleeding is normal up to 24 hours after surgery. If bleeding and/or pus development continue after 48 hours, please contact our office. Do not leave the gauze in while eating or sleeping.

Things to avoid. For the first 48 hours after surgery, you should refrain from smoking, vaping, using a straw, or disturbing the surgical site. For the first 72 hours, you may brush other teeth, but not the surgical site. Do not use a water flosser (WaterPik®) for the first 14 days following surgery; the high pressure can dislodge the blood clot.

Rinsing the mouth. If you are prescribed a mouthwash, be sure to use it as directed. You may also gently swish warm, salty water, which will help limit bacteria and assist with inflammation. 

Have a Question on Bone Grafts?

If you’ve been referred to us by your family dentist, we would be happy to discuss the procedure and any questions you may have regarding dental bone grafts. Call us today to get started.