Bone Grafting – Alexandria, VA
Repair and Rebuild
Your Smile
Bone grafting is a procedure where transplanted bone tissue is used to repair and rebuild bones anywhere in your body. At our oral surgery office, we use bone grafting specifically to reverse damage to the jawbone. This can help prepare the area for implant surgery, but it can also be used simply to improve overall oral health. If you have concerns about bone loss or think you might need bone grafting from our Alexandria, VA oral surgeons before you can get dental implants, Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is here to help.
Why Choose Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery for Bone Grafting?
- Board-Certified Oral Surgeons and Staff
- Wide Variety of Bone Grafting Options
- Focus on Quality Patient Care & Satisfaction
Benefits of
Bone Grafting
The team at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery might recommend a bone grafting procedure if you’ve lost some or all your teeth because of an accident, injury, or general decay. Left untreated, a jawbone without teeth atrophies, and your body reabsorbs it. This process affects the strength and structure of your jawbone, making the placement of dental implants nearly impossible.
Bone grafting can restore your jaw to its near original length and width. Following a bone graft procedure, it’s safe to restore your smile using dental implants.
Types of Bone Grafting
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, the team offers four different types of bone grafts:
Autogenous Bone grafting
Autogenous bone grafts, or autografts, come from a part of your body. In most cases, the team harvests autografts from your skull, leg, chin, or hip. Autogenous bone grafts contain live bone, which encourages natural bone growth. However, they require a second surgery to collect the bone. As a result, the team typically recommends autografts for healthy, younger individuals.
Allogenic Bone Grafting
Allogenic bone grafting uses bone material harvested from a cadaver that is freeze-dried to extract any remaining water. Unlike autografts, allogeneic bone grafts don’t contain any live bone cells. Instead, the team uses the allogenic bone as a foundation over which healthy bone tissue can grow. Allogenic bone grafting requires only one surgery.
Xenogenic Bone Grafting
Xenogenic bone comes from another species, such as a cow or pig. Before application, the bone undergoes extensive heating to prevent rejection or contamination. Similar to an allogenic bone graft, a xenogenic bone graft serves as a foundation around which your natural tissue can grow.
Synthetic Bone Grafting
Thanks to modern technology and scientific advances, there is an array of synthetic materials used in bone grafting, including graft composites, bone morphogenic proteins, and demineralized bone matrices. Synthetic materials require only one surgery and lower your risk of complications and pain.
What type of bone grafting is right for me?
To determine the type of bone grafting that is best for you, your doctor will perform an oral exam, review your medical history, and take a series of X-rays. After gathering all this information, they can make recommendations based on your individual situation.
To learn more about the benefits of bone grafting, make an appointment by calling Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, or click the online booking tool today.
Bone Grafting FAQs
Do I Need a Bone Graft After a Tooth Extraction?
Sometimes, bone grafting is required after a tooth extraction. This is especially the case if you have struggled with gum disease or trauma in that area, as both of these issues can lead to bone loss. Bone grafting helps to prepare the bone for supporting a dental implant and restoration in the future. If you don’t have enough healthy bone tissue, it’s difficult to place the implant and ensure proper healing.
How Long Does a Dental Bone Graft Take to Heal?
The amount of time it takes to heal from a bone graft will depend on the type of bone graft used and the extent of your procedure. Generally speaking, healing time can range from three to six months depending on how complex your graft is. By closely following the instructions of your oral surgeon, you can reduce your risk of complications and support a successful recovery.
Can I Eat After Having a Dental Bone Graft?
Yes, you can eat after your bone graft. Just remember that it’s important to stick to a soft-food diet to support healing. This means avoiding anything chewy or crunchy that can disturb the newly grafted area. Your oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions regarding your diet after your procedure. Additionally, you should be sure to keep your smile clean with excellent oral hygiene, including frequent brushing and flossing.
Is the Recovery Period for Bone Graft Painful?
During the recovery period, you may experience some swelling around the graft and some soreness. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You should avoid activities that put stress on the grafted area, like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Remember to prioritize your follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon to ensure that the new bone has integrated successfully with the surrounding bone tissue.