Bone Grafting in Pueblo, CO

What is a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting, also known as osseous augmentation, is a complex surgery that is performed to rebuild the bone structure of the jaw. This procedure most commonly uses a small amount of mixed human, bovine, and porcine cadaver bone mineral that is transplanted into the jaw. There is virtually no risk of transmitting an illness or disease during the transplantation of cadaver bone. In some occasions, a patient's own bone is harvested from other areas in their mouth or from their hip for depending on the grafting purposes. Bone grafting is typically performed when the structure of the jaw bone has diminished in volume (atrophied) to the extent that it can no longer structurally support dental implants or restorations. This deterioration usually arises from gum disease, tooth loss, an oral injury, and overall poor dental hygiene.

When is a Dental Bone Graft Recommended?

You may be an ideal candidate for a dental bone graft if you have bone loss due to advanced gum disease (periodontitis), significant tooth loss, or an oral injury. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults as it leads to bacterial infection breaking down the bone and breaking down any healthy gum tissue that holds the tooth in place. This process destroys the overall integrity and volume of the jaw bone. Bone volume also often diminishes once a tooth is extracted and there is no bone graft or dental implant used in replacement. When bone loss occurs, dental implants and other restorations cannot be placed as there is not enough bone support to stabilize them. This is when bone grafting is recommended in order for the jaw to be strengthened and able to withstand dental implants and false teeth for a healthy, radiant smile.

How is a Bone Graft Performed?

Our skilled oral surgeons utilize a variety of techniques to create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique bone grafting needs. Every case is different, which is why we are proud to provide several approaches to meet the diverse needs and concerns of our patients. The method used will depend on the severity of your bone loss and the type of graft that is selected. The most common techniques we use at Oral Surgery Specialists of Pueblo include:

• Autograft: This graft utilizes bone tissue that is extracted from a patient's own body in areas like the jaws, hips, or shin.
• Allograft: This approach uses donor tissue or bone that is sourced from another human.
• Xenograft: This innovative technique utilizes bone tissue that has been extracted from an animal, usually a pig, cow, or horse.
• Alloplast: This method uses a synthetic bone that is compatible with human bone tissue.

In your treatment planning session, we use 3-D imaging technology to capture detailed images of your jaw structure to determine which graft is appropriate for your condition. This imaging also allows our surgeons to determine how much bone tissue is needed for your restoration. Once we have developed your specific treatment plan, we will schedule your surgery at your convenience. Bone grafting is performed in a surgically accredited facility under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. We will begin the procedure by numbing the treatment area and making a small incision in the gums to access the jawbone. PIEZOSURGERY® techniques may also be incorporated to safely and effectively perform the grafting procedure without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. Our team will carefully transfer the bone graft to the specific area. Once complete, the incision will be sealed. In some cases, dental implants will be placed at this time, as well.

What to Expect After a Dental Bone Grafting

Prior to your release, our team will provide you with Post-Operative Care Instructions and pain medication to aid in your healing process. As you heal, your newly grafted bone tissue will reach a phase known as osseointegration. Osseointegration is the body’s natural process for building the strength and stability of your jaw bone for future dental implants and restorations. This is why it's essential to follow all Post-Operative Instructions provided by our office. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled so our surgeons can check on your progress and make sure everything is healing properly. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery or are experiencing any abnormal pain, we invite you to call our office so we can provide you with the prompt care and answers you deserve.

Is Bone Grafting Covered by Insurance?

Bone grafting may be covered by insurance since it is often considered a medically necessary procedure. Our Insurance Specialist Team will contact your provider to confirm and review your specific coverage. We will then estimate your costs and discuss all of your payment options. We want all of our patients to get the care they need, which is why we offer convenient payment plans and accept financing from CareCredit® and CredCompare. CredCompare involves a simple application process that performs a soft credit pull with no affect to your credit score. Once submitted for prequalification, CredCompare allows several different financing companies to review your patient profile and to compete for assistance in your healthcare investment.

Effective Solutions for Jawbone Loss

If you or your loved one is in need of a bone graft, we encourage you to call Oral Surgery Specialists of Pueblo to meet with one of our seasoned oral and maxillofacial surgeons to learn more about this restorative surgery. You deserve to have a gorgeous healthy smile, and thanks to bone grafting, we can rebuild your jawbone to revitalize your function and cosmetic appearance. Call our office to schedule a private consultation today. We will be happy to sit down with you to discuss all of your options.