Restoring Lost Bone for Better Dental Health
We can only imagine what our bodies would look like without bones. This scaffolding provides support, form, and protection to our organs and delicate tissue. The bone around your teeth, called alveolar bone, holds the teeth firmly in place. The particular height, shape, and density of this specialized bone can be compromised due to gum disease, tooth removal, and other forms of trauma.
If bone shrinks away from your teeth, it never grows back. In some cases, bone can be encouraged to fill in with grafting materials placed by our doctors. Every situation presents a different scenario, but more options than ever exist to promote bone repair in the jaw. For example, when a tooth needs removal, a large hole then exists in the bone. While it will eventually fill in, the site tends to shrink, drawing bone away from the area jeopardizing surrounding teeth. Grafting materials can be placed at the time of tooth removal to help preserve the existing bone level. Bone grafts are especially beneficial if you are considering an implant-supported restoration in the future.
Even areas that have already suffered bone collapse can often benefit from specialized grafting material, bolstering nearly any part of the jaw bone. It's important to note: bone destroyed by gum disease often leaves significant defects around teeth. While some of these areas are grafting candidates, many of them experience irreversible bone loss. Controlling gum disease with your team will serve your health much better than corrective surgical grafts.
Preserving Jaw Health With Bone Grafting
At Forest Hills Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy, strong foundation for your smile—especially when it comes to your jawbone. Every patient’s situation is unique, but thanks to advanced techniques and materials, there are more options than ever to encourage bone regeneration and repair.
When a tooth is removed, it leaves behind a void in the bone. While the area will eventually heal, it often shrinks in the process, potentially affecting nearby teeth. That’s why our doctors may recommend placing a bone graft at the time of extraction. This helps preserve the natural contour and volume of your jaw, which is especially important if you’re considering a dental implant in the future.
Even in cases where bone loss has already occurred, specially designed grafting materials can often rebuild areas of the jaw to support long-term dental health and function.
It’s also important to understand the connection between bone loss and gum disease. Infections can lead to significant deterioration around the teeth. While some of these areas can benefit from grafting, many suffer permanent damage. Preventive care and early treatment of gum disease with our team at Forest Hills Family Dentistry is always the best approach.
To learn more about bone preservation and grafting options, call us today at (513) 231-5353. We’re here to help protect and restore your smile.