Bone Grafting in Greeley, CO
At Affordable Dental Clinics in Greeley, CO, we perform bone grafting regularly and have plenty of experience with the procedure. Bone grafting is rarely done as a standalone procedure. It’s usually done in preparation for a dental implant.
Patients who don’t have strong enough bones to support an implant will need a bone graft. Alternatively, if your dental health is fine, and your jawbones are strong, a bone graft won’t be required before placing a dental implant. We’ll need to assess your dental status here at Affordable Dental Clinics before we recommend the best course of action.
The Procedure
Bone grafting is a simpler procedure than most of our patients seem to think initially. After determining that you would benefit from a bone graft, we decide where to obtain it. We can use bones from a cadaver, your chin or hard palate, or use synthetic bones.
All of these have demonstrated success. The downside of using your bones for the graft is that you’ll experience discomfort and swelling for a few days from the extraction site. After obtaining the graft, we’ll place it in the area we want to strengthen so that it’s involved in new bone formation. The formation of new bone usually takes several months, so patience will need to be required.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the reason we do bone grafting. Patients who need to replace a missing tooth won’t be able to receive an implant without a strong and durable bone to support it. An implant entails placing a titanium screw in the jawbone then adding a crown onto the screw.
Without strong bone to support it, the titanium screw won’t be properly fixated in the jaw. With a bone graft, however, we can overcome this problem. Keep in mind that it takes time for a screw to attach to the jawbone properly, so this might be a lengthy process.
The crown can be added to the screw after proper stabilization. You’ll then be able to resume your life normally. Dental implants are durable and can last a lifetime. They also look identical to natural teeth.
FAQs
Bone grafting rebuilds areas where bone has been lost, often after tooth loss or infection. It provides a stable base for future treatments, such as implants. This step is used when natural bone is not strong enough to support function.
Bone grafting in Greeley is needed when bone height or thickness is not enough to hold an implant securely. This is confirmed through imaging. The goal is to improve support before implant placement.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild soreness may occur afterward. We provide instructions to help manage healing and reduce discomfort.
Healing usually takes a few months as the graft integrates with your natural bone. The exact time depends on the size of the graft and your body’s response. We monitor healing before moving forward with implants.
After a tooth extraction greeley, implants may be placed immediately if the bone is healthy. If bone loss is present, the graft is placed first. This decision depends on the site’s condition and stability.
Bone grafting materials may be natural or synthetic, designed to support new bone growth. The choice depends on the area being treated and the level of support needed for future procedures.
Bone grafting is generally safe, but possible risks include infection or delayed healing. These are managed with proper care and follow-up. Your medical history is reviewed to reduce complications.
Not all patients need grafting. If enough healthy bone is present, implants can be placed directly. We determine this by reviewing scans and measuring bone support before treatment.
After the procedure, you should avoid pressure on the area, follow cleaning instructions, and attend follow-up visits. This helps protect the graft and supports proper healing.
You should see a dentist near me if you notice unusual swelling, pain, or delayed healing. Regular follow-ups are also important to confirm that the graft is integrating as expected.
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