Jawbone Repair to Support Dental Implants

A missing tooth may lead to gum disease, causing bone loss in the jaw. Over time, there may not be enough bone to keep a dental implant in place. In cases such as these, our Middletown, NJ dentists may recommend having a bone grafting procedure.

Prior to the bone grafting surgery, you will need to have a deep clean, known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes tarter and smooth’s the surface of the tooth to encourage the gum to reattach to the tooth. Following the scaling and root planing procedure, extra brushing and flossing may be required to ensure the area remains clean until the bone grafting surgery. It is also important to discontinue use of tobacco products. This will promote healing and reduce risk of infection.

On the day of the bone grafting surgery, a local anesthetic is administered. Our periodontist will separate the gums from the teeth to gain access to the roots and the jawbone. The roots will be cleaned and any holes in the bone will be filled with grafting material. The next step is to place a physical graft over the grafting material. The last step is to place the gums back over the treated site and insert stitches to hold the gum and graft in place. The surgical area may also be covered with a bandage known as a periodontal pack or periodontal bandage.

After the procedure you will be given antibiotics and pain medication. To ensure proper healing, you will need to follow a restricted diet of soft foods.

Bone grafts usually take six to nine months to heal. Once the jawbone has healed, our Middletown dentists will insert the dental implant.

Contact Us

For more information about bone grafts in Middletown and Red Bank, contact Navesink Dental Care today at (732) 741-7733. We will be happy to schedule a dental implant consultation and develop the best treatment plan for your needs.