Bone Grafts in Oakland, CA

Bone grafts are surgical procedures to augment and restore bone in the jaw or other mouth areas. At Oakland Smile Dental, bone grafts can repair or reconstruct bone defects caused by trauma, infection, or developmental abnormalities. The grafts promote bone regeneration, fill voids or gaps, and restore the natural bone contour and structure. After tooth extraction, the surrounding bone may naturally shrink or resorb over time. A bone graft can be placed in the empty tooth socket immediately after extraction to prevent excessive bone loss. This preserves the bone volume and improves the chances of successful future implant placement.

The Bone Grafting Procedure

Depending on the patient's needs, various grafting materials may be considered, such as autografts, allografts, xenografts, or synthetic bone substitutes. During the surgery, the graft material is placed in the targeted area where bone regeneration is needed. The graft material acts as a scaffold, allowing new bone to grow and integrate with the existing bone over time. Over several months, the grafted bone material gradually transforms into living bone as the patient's body generates new bone cells and blood vessels. This process is known as osseointegration. Once the newly regenerated bone has sufficiently integrated and matured, dental implants or other restorative treatments can be placed on the grafted area.

The Benefits of Bone Grafts

Dental Implant Support

One of the primary benefits of bone grafts in dentistry is to provide adequate bone volume and density to support dental implants. When a patient has insufficient bone in the jaw, a bone graft can be performed to create a solid foundation for the implant. This enhances the success rate and longevity of dental implants.

Bone Regeneration

Bone grafts stimulate the growth of new bone cells in areas with bone loss or defects. The graft material acts as a scaffold, promoting natural healing and allowing the patient's body to regenerate bone in the affected area.

Improved Aesthetics

Bone loss in the jaw can lead to a sunken or collapsed appearance of the face, affecting facial aesthetics. By restoring bone volume and structure through grafting, facial contours can be improved, enhancing overall facial appearance and restoring a youthful look.

Enhanced Oral Function

Bone grafts help restore proper oral function by providing a stable base for dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. The improved bone support improves chewing, speaking, and biting functionality.

Preservation of Surrounding Teeth

When a tooth is lost or extracted, the adjacent teeth may shift or tilt into the space, causing misalignment. By placing a bone graft in the extraction site, the graft material preserves the bone structure and prevents unwanted movement of neighboring teeth. Trust our Dentist in Oakland, CA, for expert care in maintaining your oral health and preventing complications after tooth loss or extraction.

Bone grafts play a crucial role in restoring and augmenting the bone structure in the jaw, allowing for successful dental implant placement and improving overall oral health and function. For the best care, visit Oakland Smile Dental at 8105 Edgewater Dr., Suite 124, Oakland, CA 94621, or call (510) 924-7310.