Facts about Bone Grafts

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There are many reasons Dr. Todd A. Williams might request that you get a bone graft: a weak jaw, gum disease, misaligned bite, and preparation for dental implants are some examples. If you think this might be a possibility, here are some basic facts about bone grafts.

When dental experts talk about bone grafts, they are almost talking about your jawbone. A bone graft is a variety of oral surgery designed to add bone tissue to the patient’s jawbone to improve its strength and durability.

Our first choice would be to graft a small piece of bone taken from another part of your body. That way your jawbone will be able to accept the grafted bone tissue the most easily as it is composed of more familiar cells. However, not all circumstances make this possible. That’s why we have access to artificial bone and bone from a tissue bank.

If you are getting a bone graft to prepare for a dental implant, you might want to know how long you’ll have to wait. Major grafts may need a few months for the jawbone to fully integrate with the new tissue before a dental implant. If the graft is only minor, however, you might be able to get the dental implant on the same day or shortly after your bone graft. Dr. Todd A. Williams can give you a more personalized estimate.

Do you have questions? Call Williams and Williams Facial and Oral Surgery in Dallas, Texas at 214-691-0101 to schedule a consultation.