Bone Grafting

Using bone augmentation and tissue regeneration at Blue Sky Dental.

We all like to have nice looking teeth, and, providing that what we can physically see appears to be in good health, we are generally happy. Like an iceberg though, much of our teeth and their supporting structures actually lie hidden, in this case beneath the gum line. Providing that we do look after our teeth and gums well, with effective home cleaning and supported by our Chelmsford dental hygienist, all should be well. For those who don’t though, problems could well lie ahead.

Periodontitis

One of the leading causes of tooth loss is not decay but gum disease, and particularly its most advanced form, periodontitis. The most significant danger of this disease is not the soreness or bleeding of the gums, but the fact that it can start to destroy both the gum and the bone tissue which secure our teeth in place.

Once periodontitis takes hold, it is very possible that you will need to have a ‘deep clean’, performed by a specialist. This is an invasive treatment which cleans right down to the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone tissue. Whilst this may help to resolve the immediate problem, very often the bone will have been already affected to the point where teeth may have started to become loose.

Bone grafts

Depending on each individual case, it may be possible for our Blue Sky Dental Team to rebuild this supportive bone using a bone graft, or bone augmentation as it is also known. This procedure involves the removal of a small piece of bone tissue from another part of the patient’s body, or alternatively, artificial bone material may be used. This is then placed in the area where the bone has degraded, and is allowed to bond securely with the natural bone; in effect, helping the body to heal itself. If necessary, tissue stimulating proteins may also be used in order to encourage the healing process.

Dental implants and bone grafts

A bone graft may also be used when a patient is due to have a dental implant placed. Very often, when a tooth has been missing for some time, the bone in that area of the mouth will reduce in quantity, leaving insufficient bone into which the new implant can be placed. Some groups, such as smokers are also likely to suffer from increased bone loss. Although the additional process of bone augmentation will add extra time to the tooth implant process, it is the only way to build up the bone density to the point where an implant placement can successfully take place.

Oral hygiene

Once your bone graft has healed, it can still be vulnerable to gum disease problems, and it is necessary to make sure that you keep the area clean along with the rest of your mouth. We will discuss this with you during the consultation, where you will also be able to ask any questions about the procedure that you wish.

Your gum health is very important! If you haven’t had yours checked for some time, why not make an appointment to see the hygienist at our Chelmsford dental practice? You can make your appointment by calling Blue Sky Dental on 01245 211070. Alternatively please call to arrange an implant consultation if you are keen to replace missing teeth with the most effective and sustainable solution.