Do I Need a Bone Graft?
After tooth extraction, if the walls of the socket are very thick, they will usually fill naturally with bone in two to three months. However, when the walls of your socket are very thin (such as in your upper and lower front teeth), this type of healing will not be as predictable. In these situations, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This step will maintain the width and volume of bone you will need for implant placement several months later. If you think you may need a bone graft for an implant, please contact Northeast Periodontal Specialists in Worcester, MA to schedule a consultation.
About Bone Grafts
There may be an inadequate amount of bone for implant placement if your tooth was removed many years ago and your bony ridge is extremely thin. In this case, a bone graft can be placed next to the thin bone and allowed to heal for up to six months. After the graft has fused to your pre-existing bone, the ridge will be re-entered and the implant placed. Bone grafting is usually a relatively comfortable office procedure. Many different bone-grafting materials are available, including your own bone.
Additional Considerations
You may also need bone grafting if the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are very large, or very low, and extend into the tooth-bearing areas. This often occurs when teeth in the back of a person’s upper jaw have been removed many years before, and the amount of bone available for implant placement is limited. A “sinus grafting procedure” is then required. Most often, it is performed in-office at Northeast Periodontal Specialists under local anesthesia and perhaps sedation. During this procedure, the membrane that lines the sinus will be located and elevated. Bone will then be added to restore the bone height and ensure that dental implants of an adequate length can be placed. This procedure often can be performed at the time of implant placement at our Worcester, MA practice.
Northeast Periodontal Specialists Reviews
Excellent as always!
Had a routine cleaning and exam. Very thorough, professional and personable service.
They have a very friendly staff. They always send you reminders about your appointment and they always start on time. I definitely recommend them to friends and family.
All are very friendly and helpful at this office!! I had many questions that were all answered and my worries lessened. My mom came with me and she said she’s never been to a more friendlier office as she was asked multiple times if she needed anything as a coffee or water. The doctor is wonderful and did an amazing job for my gum surgery. Thank you.
Had an issue and they called me back and took me in the same day. Turned out not to be a tooth issue but they were thorough and pleasant. My primary healthcare couldn’t see me but Northeast Periodontal Specialist could.
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Average Rating