Bone and Gum Grafting in Orlando near Kissimmee, FL

What is Bone Grafting?

When we reference bone grafting, we are talking about a surgical procedure that utilizes transplanted bone to rebuild and repair diseased or damaged bone in the mouth. A bone graft may be required to create a stable foundation for the placement of dental implants, to stop the progression of gum disease, or to create a more aesthetically appealing smile.

Bone grafting is a straightforward procedure that is typically performed after numbing the patient’s mouth. Initially, the material for the graft either needs to be harvested or prepared for the procedure. A small cut is created in the gums and then carefully pulled away from the bone. Then, the grafting material is placed at the affected site.

Why Might I Need Bone Grafting?

There are different instances where you may need to undergo bone grafting. This will include a fracture that cannot be healed without a bone graft or a fracture that did not heal well. It can be necessary when patients suffer from diseases of the bone caused by cancer or osteonecrosis. It can also be necessary for spinal fusion surgery, dental implant surgery, or surgeries involving surgically implanted devices.

What are the Risks of Bone Grafting?

This procedure is common and performed without complications. However, there are still risks of infection, blood clots, nerve damage, bleeding, or infection acquired from the donated bone. These risks will depend on each person’s age, medical conditions, lifestyle choices, existing health issues, and more.

How Do I Prepare for Bone Grafting?

It is important to be transparent with your dentist and tell them about medicines you are currently taking, lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking, and recent health changes and conditions. Also, you may need to undergo certain tests like CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs.

What Happens During Bone Grafting?

During the process, your vital signs will be monitored as you receive anesthesia to make sure you are numb during the procedure. They will be cleaning the surface of the area that needs surgery and will be cutting through the skin and muscle that surrounds the bone for grafting. If harvesting is needed, this is done prior. The surgeon will be inserting the bone graft between the 2 pieces of bone that need repair and re-connection. In some cases, special screws and repairs can be used and performed. Once the procedure is done, they will be closing the layers of your skin accordingly.

What Happens After a Bone Grafting?

After the surgery, some tests may be necessary to check the success and results of the procedure. You may be prescribed certain medications for blood thinning or pain in case it becomes intolerable. Also, you will be instructed to keep the area immobile until instructions are given on how to gradually move the area. Physical therapy may also be necessary to recover the flexibility and strength of your muscles. Recommendations on your diet may also be given. You will be asked to increase calcium and vitamin D intake.

Why Are Gum Grafts Performed?

Periodontal plastic surgery, also known as gum grafting, is performed to cover an exposed tooth’s root surface with grafted oral tissue. There are different kinds such as Free Gingival Graft, Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft, and Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft. This procedure is done to reduce sensitivity, and improve gum health and the appearance of the mouth.

How Do You Prepare for a Gum Draft?

Your teeth should be cleaned supra and subgingivally to get rid of calculus and bacteria. A mini-lecture on preventing periodontal disease in the future can also be given. This is performed under a local anesthetic. Small cuts will be made at the surgical site to give way to the graft. After this, another incision is done to fit the tissue graft between the two portions of the tissue. Sutures are then placed to stabilize the graft and to prevent the possibility of shifting in the site. The recovery usually takes up to six weeks.

What is Soft Tissue Grafting?

This procedure is geared to fighting gum recession. Factors like age, over brushing, poor tooth positioning, trauma, and periodontal disease are common causes of gum recession. When neglected, this condition may end up in tooth-root exposure. When this happens, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may cause discomfort and may even give way to decay. There are different types of soft tissue grafting and these are free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, and pedicle graft.

What Does Soft Tissue Grafting Treatment Involve?

This process involves deep cleaning in the upper and lower gum line to get rid of calculus. It is performed under a local anesthetic. A small incision is made to form a small pocket then an incision is made to give way to the donor tissue placed between the two sections. Doctors can opt to utilize platelet-rich growth factors and tissue-stimulating proteins to promote healing before suturing. When suturing is done, a surgical material can be placed to protect the area. Recovery usually takes up to six weeks.

Reasons for Soft Tissue Grafting

This procedure is a versatile one, the advancement of technology has made it more predictable and less intrusive. Hence, a lot of people are considering this quite often today. This is usually done to increase comfort, improve aesthetics and improve gum health.

These procedures can be done accordingly depending on the needs of each patient. It is important to know that these procedures aim to preserve and improve your overall oral health.