Advanced Bone Grafting

What is it?

A bone graft is used to recreate bone and supporting soft tissues lost due to gum disease. It is also called regenerative surgery.

What is it used for?

Regenerative surgery is a treatment for the gum disease called periodontitis. People with periodontitis, loose gum coverage and bone support around their teeth. Regenerative surgery helps to regrow these lost tissues. 

Preparation

Before your surgery, you need to have basic Phase 1 periodontal treatment called scaling and root planning. A local anesthetic is used to anesthetize the area for surgery.

How is it done?

The goal of this surgery is to coax the body into rebuilding the bone and other structures that attach a tooth to the jaw. It is done by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating gum disease.

First, the periodontist will separate the gums from  teeth to gain access to the roots and bone. Then the roots will be thoroughly cleaned. The  defects in the bone will be filled in with a graft material. Then they will be covered with a physical barrier.

Bone graft materials commonly used :

1.Bone from Intra oral site

2.Bone from extra oral  site

Barriers are used to cover the grafting material in the early stages of healing. They also prevent the gums from growing into the bony defect. Barriers are made from human skin, cow skin or synthetic materials.

After the graft is in place, the gums will be sutured back into place. The surgical site is covered with  periodontal pack or dressing.

During the next six to nine months, your body fills in the area with new bone and soft tissue. 

Follow up

It is very important  to keep your mouth  clean while you heal. This means you should brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally. If you don't have a periodontal pack over the surgical site, you can use a toothbrush to gently remove plaque from the teeth.

Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine are commonly prescribed after periodontal surgery. These rinses do not remove plaque from the teeth. However, they slow down the growth of plaque by killing the bacteria and helping your mouth heal.

Antibiotics  are prescribed to prevent  infection.