Bone and Tissue Grafts

When your jawbone lacks the density or volume needed for dental implants, bone and tissue grafts provide the foundation for successful tooth replacement. These surgical procedures rebuild lost bone and gum tissue, creating an ideal environment for implants and restoring the health and function of your smile.

At Skale Dental Professionals, our experienced team combines advanced surgical techniques with cutting-edge technology to deliver predictable grafting results. As a comprehensive dental practice, we handle the entire implant process in-house, from initial grafting procedures to final restoration placement. Our father-son dental team brings decades of combined experience to every grafting procedure, ensuring you receive the highest level of care throughout your treatment journey.

Understanding Bone and Tissue Loss

Bone loss in the jaw occurs naturally after tooth extraction, with significant changes happening within the first few months. Within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area. This progressive bone loss can make implant placement challenging or impossible without grafting procedures.

Several factors contribute to bone and tissue loss around teeth. Periodontal disease destroys the supporting structures of teeth, while trauma from accidents or injuries can damage both bone and soft tissue. Extended periods without teeth accelerate bone resorption, as the jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density.

Types of Grafting Procedures

We offer several grafting procedures to restore bone and tissue volume based on your specific needs.

Bone Grafting Options

Socket preservation grafting occurs immediately after tooth extraction, maintaining bone volume and preventing collapse of the extraction site. This proactive approach simplifies future implant placement and often eliminates the need for more extensive grafting later.

Ridge augmentation rebuilds lost bone width and height in areas where teeth have been missing for extended periods. This procedure creates sufficient bone volume for implant placement while restoring proper facial support.

Sinus lift procedures address bone loss in the upper jaw’s posterior region. When the maxillary sinus expands into areas where teeth once existed, we can elevate the sinus membrane and place bone graft material to create adequate space for implant placement.

Soft Tissue Grafting

Gum recession often requires soft tissue grafting to restore proper gum coverage around teeth and implants. Free gingival grafts use tissue from the roof of your mouth to increase the amount of attached gum tissue around teeth. Connective tissue grafts address root coverage while maintaining natural-looking gum contours.

These procedures not only improve aesthetics but also protect tooth roots from sensitivity and decay. Adequate gum tissue coverage is essential for long-term oral health and implant success.

Graft Materials and Healing

Modern grafting procedures utilize various materials to promote bone regeneration:

• Autogenous grafts use your own bone, typically harvested from the jaw or other areas of the body
• Allograft materials come from processed human bone donors and serve as scaffolding for your body’s natural bone formation.
• Xenograft materials derived from animal sources offer another effective option for bone regeneration.
• Synthetic bone substitutes provide alternatives when natural materials aren’t suitable.

The healing process typically takes three to six months, during which new bone forms around the graft material. Our team monitors your progress closely, using advanced imaging to assess healing and determine optimal timing for implant placement.

The Grafting Process

Your grafting journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation using our state-of-the-art CBCT 3D imaging technology to create a precise treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Initial Consultation and Planning

We discuss your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals to ensure optimal healing and results. Our team explains the entire process, including recovery expectations and timeline, so you feel confident about your treatment decisions.

Surgical Procedure

Grafting procedures typically take place in our comfortable, modern surgical suite using local anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort. We carefully prepare the treatment site and place the selected graft material with precision.

Advanced surgical techniques minimize discomfort and promote faster healing. Our experienced team monitors you throughout the procedure, ensuring your safety and comfort at every step.

Recovery and Healing

Initial healing typically occurs within the first two weeks, with complete integration taking several months. During this time, your body gradually replaces the graft material with new, living bone tissue.

Following post-operative instructions carefully is crucial for successful healing. This includes taking prescribed medications, maintaining gentle oral hygiene, and avoiding certain foods that might disrupt the healing process.

Benefits of Bone and Tissue Grafts

Successful grafting procedures create the foundation for long-lasting dental implants. Dental implants have a success rate of 95% when placed in adequately grafted bone, making these preparatory procedures worthwhile investments in your oral health.

Grafting also restores facial support that may have been lost due to bone resorption. This restoration can improve your appearance by supporting your lips and cheeks, creating a more youthful facial profile while contributing to better oral health by creating stable conditions for implant placement.

Contact Skale Dental Professionals

If you’re considering dental implants or have been told you need bone grafting, our experienced team is here to help. Dr. Darryl Skale and Dr. Ryan Skale bring over 50 years of combined experience to every grafting procedure, ensuring you receive expert care throughout your treatment journey.

We offer comprehensive consultations to evaluate your specific needs and develop personalized treatment plans. Our state-of-the-art facility and advanced technology ensure you receive the most effective and comfortable care possible. To schedule your consultation and learn more about how bone and tissue grafts can restore your smile, call us at (847) 272-1072 or contact us online.

Experience Better Dental Care

Choose treatments based on your needs, not insurance limits. We accept your coverage and make quality care affordable.