Bone Grafting

Dental_Implant_Bone_Grafting_Edward_B_Coffey_DDS_MS_Encinitas_Dental_ArtDr. Coffey performs bone grafting (site preservation) procedures to restore your bone to its previous form following tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma.  Bone grafting may also be used to maintain bone structure after tooth extraction.  Grafting procedures place a framework of material in the areas of missing bone into which these cells can enter and start the rebuilding process. Over time your cells will remodel the graft material into your own functioning bone. 

Benefits_Bone_Grafting_Edward_B_Coffey_DDS_MS_Encinitas_Dental_ArtRestoring and maintaining facial bone structure is important for several reasons. Many dental procedures, such as dental implant placement, require that the bone be as close to its original dimension and position as possible for optimal results. Also, the jaw and other facial bones support the skin and muscle that are responsible for our outward cosmetic appearance. Without the support of the underlying bone, our faces can look prematurely aged.

Bone Grafting Procedure

Dr. Coffey will remove the damaged tooth and preserve the bone in the area performing a simple bone grafting procedure.  In this procedure, demineralized, sterile human bone granules, (which look like coarse sand), are packed into the tooth socket immediately after tooth extraction.  The granules are covered with a protective collagen membrane and a couple stitches are used to close the tooth socket.  This procedure is simple and usually does not add to your recovery time.  Over the next several weeks, your own bone will fill the tooth socket and preserve the bone height long enough for you to have the area restored.  The waiting time ensures that the healing process has enough time to achieve the desired results: ideal support for the replacement teeth, which will last a lifetime and look great, as natural as your original teeth! If you replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, the bone level will remain indefinitely.  If you replace the missing tooth with a bridge, you will lose some of the bone level over time.

If you would like to schedule a FREE consultation for bone grafting (x-rays not included) with Encinitas Dentist, Edward B. Coffey, DDS MS – Encinitas Dental Art, please call us at (760) 942-7272.  Hablamos Español.