Some people may not realize this, but when you are getting dental treatment done, you may have missing parts of your jaw. Jaw bone loss after a tooth extraction is especially common and is not necessarily something to be afraid of.
However, this does not mean that it is a condition that should just be left alone. Instead, specific treatments can be done when faced with this condition. Read more about it below.
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
For those who have lost jaw bone after tooth extraction, a dental bone graft may be needed to replace the missing bits of the jaw bone.
A dental bone graft is when bone and tissue are taken from other parts of the patient’s body or a human or animal tissue bank. This is then transplanted to the area where the missing bone is to be replaced.
Seeking dental bone graft services from a professional will help the patient recover from jaw bone loss and also avoid the need for invasive surgery.
How Do Dental Bone Grafts Work?
Once the graft has been placed, the rest of your body should do the work. The graft acts as a hold for your body to grasp onto and regenerate the lost tissue and promote healing in your jaw.
Sometimes, dentists may include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with your bone graft. This comes from a blood sample and should encourage healing within the area.
What Are Some Side Effects of Jaw Bone Loss?
After tooth extraction, it may be difficult for the patient to eat with missing jaw bone! This is just one of the many side effects the patient may have. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Inability to chew
- Inability to close the mouth completely
These issues may be problematic for the patient and make it difficult for them to lead a normal life.
Does a Dental Bone Graft Hurt?
After a dental bone graft, the patient may experience some discomfort. This will depend on the type of graft that is used. However, as long as the patient follows their doctor’s orders, then they should be able to heal in no time and will experience very little pain throughout.
What Are the Effects of a Dental Bone Graft?
After the procedure, it is normal to experience discomfort and pain. There should also be some swelling and bruising, but these symptoms should be gone in a few days. Just be sure to take any pain killers or pain relievers that have been prescribed to you.
There are cases when the doctor may prescribe some antibiotics to prevent infection. Make sure to follow the schedule for the antibiotics and finish the course, as not doing so may make you immune to the effects of antibiotics.
You should also expect some bone fragments coming out of the treatment site. They may look like grains of sand or tiny pebbles. This is not any cause for concern, but it is something that you should expect.
Conclusion
Dental bone grafts are effective treatments for missing jaw bone after tooth extraction. With the right type of dentist, you can get the help you need to restore your oral health and smile. It is a good idea to speak to your dentist about your jaw bone loss and see what they can do for you!
If you are looking for a dentist in Oro Valley and the Tucson area, you can book an appointment with Oro Valley Dental Arts. We are here for all your dental needs, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and more. Get in touch with us to avail of our services.
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