When a tooth is extracted, the bone that housed the tooth rapidly shrinks. To prevent this, a socket preservation bone graft may be performed when the tooth is extracted. In some cases, a patient may not have enough bone to place an appropriately sized implant. This is very common for patients who have been missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, for more than two years. In these situations, bone grafting may be required prior to or at the same time as implant placement.
Bone grafts vary in difficulty based upon how much bone is missing, and in what area of the mouth it is missing in. Also, discomfort levels are directly related to how large a graft is necessary. The larger the graft, the greater the incisions and number of sutures required to close the wound. This translates to more inflammation and postoperative discomfort. As previously mentioned, this discomfort is mainly due to the manipulation of the gums, and not the bone itself. Regardless, most patients will experience approximately two to three weeks of soreness. This discomfort is usually manageable with painkillers.
In the upper back area of the jaw, the maxillary sinuses can grow very large, taking away all the bone that used to house the teeth. In these cases, a sinus lift graft procedure may be necessary in order to place a long enough implant for our future dental restoration. Sinus lifts are relatively simple procedures, but they require various materials and a delicate touch.
Sometimes, a person is only missing gums, or their gums are very thin and delicate. In these cases, a soft tissue graft may be necessary, especially in the front of the mouth. It is amazing what we can do to create thicker, healthier gums, but these procedures tend to cause two to three weeks of discomfort in both the area that the gum was harvested from, as well as, the area where it was transplanted to. We try to limit these soft tissue grafts to the front of the mouth, or when it is necessary for our patient’s comfort.
Call us today to schedule your free evaluation, at (331) 301-4450. Please mention that you are calling regarding the Modern Implant Institute. You can also fill out our convenient contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.