Jawbone health is just as important as the health of your teeth and gums, which is why it is important to consider the potential bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. When the jawbone density decreases, additional problems can develop:

  • Pain and ongoing discomfort
  • Problems with the remaining teeth shifting in the mouth
  • Loosening or loss of remaining teeth
  • Collapsed facial profile
  • Skin wrinkling around the mouth
  • Distortion of facial features
  • Changing bite
  • Inability to speak or eat normally
  • TMJ
  • Sinus expansion

Dental decay, gum disease, missing teeth, trauma, and tooth misalignment are the most common causes of jawbone deterioration. A bone grafting procedure can be an effective way to help Naperville patients avoid these problems.

Bone Grafting: What You Need to Know

When variable bone defects are present in the jawbone, due to infection and/or tooth removal, the tooth socket shrinks over time. Bone grafts can be used to minimize the problem of bone shrinkage, helping to maintain a strong foundation to support your teeth and implants.

Various bone-grafting techniques can be used, depending on the severity of dental bone loss and the specific needs of each patient. It is important that the bone graft placement is the proper width and length to restore both function and appearance. Available bone-grafting techniques include:

  • Socket preservation bone grafting
  • Ridge bone graft augmentation
  • Sinus floor bone graft
  • Bone ridge expansion
  • Nerve repositioning

These grafts can be made from various materials. Here is an overview of the three most common types of bone grafts:

  • Autogenous Bone Graft: Often known as autographs, these grafts are made from your own bone that is harvested from another part of the body. Common donor locations include the jaw, chin, lower leg bone, skull, or hip. The benefit is that the graft material consists of your live bone, which contains living cellular elements to enhance bone growth.
  • Allogenic Bone Graft: The second type of bone graft is harvested from a cadaver. This type of bone graft creates a framework where bone from the surrounding tissue can grow to fill in the area. But the allogenic bone cannot produce new bone growth on its own.
  • Xenogenic Bone Graft: This method uses materials sourced from another species, such as a cow. It is non-living bone used as a framework, in a similar manner described above for allogenic bone grafts.

Every bone-grafting treatment is unique, which is why it is important to work with an experienced oral surgeon. For a consultation and personal recommendations, call our team to schedule an appointment with Drs. Blecha and Jandali in Naperville, IL at (630) 961-5151.