Bone Grafts
Dr. Rifkin and our team want the very best for our patients, which is why we offer high-quality restorations and state-of-the-art procedures. If you are missing one or more teeth, the ideal solution usually involves dental implants. Unfortunately, some patients do not have enough existing bone in the jaw to properly accommodate a dental implant. In this instance, Dr. Rifkin may recommend a bone graft. Many patients have preconceived notions about bone grafting, especially when it involves the jaw. They may think of it as a painful, invasive, and inconvenient process. In reality, today’s bone grafts are far better than ever before, especially in our office! Advances in technology and technique have transformed bone grafting into a relatively painless, quick, and simple procedure.
Reasons for a Bone Graft
As we previously mentioned, dental implants are the most common reason we perform a bone graft, but why? A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the root component of a prosthesis. In order to be successful, implants require an adequate amount of bone in the jaw. If your jaw is too soft or too thin the implant may fail. Implants are largely successful due to the process of osseointegration, where the implant screw and your jawbone fuse together. A bone graft will foster new, healthy bone in the jaw and ensure the osseointegration is effective. In other words, a bone graft allows us to place an implant when it previously would have been impossible.
We may also recommend a bone graft if you have jaw abnormalities that affect your physical appearance. The same is true if you want to keep a more youthful appearance. After we lose a tooth, our jawbone may experience deterioration. A bone graft prevents this deterioration from taking place. Once the implant is in place, it too will prevent bone deterioration, giving you a more youthful facial structure.
Bone Grafting Procedure
A bone graft involves the transplant of bone from a donor source to a recipient site below the gum tissue. There are four sources of graft material: the patient, another person, an animal (typically a cow), or synthetic materials from a laboratory. The source we use depends on your individual case. Once we determine the source of grafting material, we can move forward with an appropriate treatment plan. Most grafting treatments are fairly similar. The approach we take depends on the location in your mouth, the condition of your bone, and the amount of time that has passed since the loss of a tooth.
During the procedure, Dr. Rifkin will make a tiny incision in the gum tissue, and expose the alveolar bone that holds your teeth in place. To eliminate pain or discomfort, we usually apply local anesthetic beforehand. Once the bone is properly exposed, Dr. Rifkin will place the graft material onto the area that needs new bone growth. Many times, we may also cover the graft with synthetic proteins or collagen membranes. These materials promote a quicker, more effective regeneration period.
After your procedure is complete, you should only experience a minor amount of pain or discomfort, that can usually be remedied with over-the-counter medications. Be sure to avoid eating any foods that may irritate the area for the first few days. We may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection.
Once the graft material is in place, it will act as a catalyst for new bone growth. Over the next few months, your bone will grow, thicken, and absorb the graft material. After the material has completely absorbed, we can move forward with any additional treatment (dental implant surgery).
Testimonials
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“Dr Rifkin has the hands of an angel. Never had any pain with his procedures. He is the Michelangelo of restorative dentistry. I’ve been going to him for forty years and will be going to him after he retires.”
“Dr. Rifkin is simply the best. Not everybody is lucky enough to become his patient. He is a caring Dentist first. Period. But he is also an artist with an eye for detail ... just a rare find. His smiles are so natural, so translucent and luminous you would never know that they aren't made by nature.”
“Great experience Dr. Rifkin and his staff are both pleasant and professional. It’s over a two hour drive for me but worth the trip for superior dentistry!”
Improve the Function and Esthetics of Your Smile!
When you lose a tooth, it creates a ripple effect that causes problems for your oral health and overall appearance. Bone grafting allows us to reverse these problems with the wonderful benefits of dental implants. Dental implants create new opportunities for a functional mouth and aesthetically-pleasing smile! Implant-supported restorations can transform your life, but in many cases, it all starts with a bone graft.
If you are missing one or more teeth, act now! The longer you go untreated, the more your bone will deteriorate. Dr. Rifkin can give you back your smile with just a couple of procedures! To learn more about bone grafts, click here or call 310-596-7230 to schedule your consultation appointment.