Bone grafting is defined as the addition of a piece of bone to a damaged area. Depending on the procedure, there are many different ways in which this can be done, including insertion by drilling or insertion without drilling into the affected area of natural bone or dental restorative material. It is a type of interdental surgery that provides stability and strength to an affected tooth root or implant site.
A Wichita Falls dentist will recommend bone grafting to improve the functionality and aesthetics of dental implants and crowns. The procedure of bone grafting is commonly performed by a dentist, which may include an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a dental surgeon.
Here are 4 reasons why you may need bone grafting.
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Missing tooth
If you have a missing tooth, it is crucial to treat it right away lest you risk exposing the roots and gums to bacteria. Remember that the jawbone shrinks when there is no tooth in place, and without the tooth to support the jaw, there will be a gap.
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Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a type of gum disease that occurs due to infection. This infection can occur very quickly and is caused by the bacteria that live in our mouths. The two most common types of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease, and it will not affect the jawbone or cause any serious issues. On the other hand, if you do not treat periodontitis with a dentist in time, there will be long-term problems for your mouth, teeth, and gums
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Misalignment of teeth
The third reason for bone grafting is the misalignment of the teeth. This is quite a common condition since even though we brush and floss our teeth, we tend to forget to address severe misalignments. Misaligned teeth will affect your appearance, and if it gets worse to the point where you start losing teeth, the misaligned teeth will also affect your diet. The technique of dental implants and crowns is very effective in correcting tooth misalignment. It can also be done with bone grafts; however, it may not work as fast as implants and crowns.
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To support dental implants
Finally, bone grafting is needed to support dental implants. This is not only so that the bone will be strong enough to hold the implant without falling out but also because it will give the mouth a more natural look.
