Patients who experience tooth loss may also experience the loss of jawbone. This loss can occur when a tooth extraction requires part of the surrounding jaw to be removed. The tooth loss results in the loss of root stimulation, which is needed to keep the jawbone from atrophying. 

This loss of jawbone may contribute to unwanted changes to your facial appearance and make your dental restoration more complicated. Our doctors at North Iowa Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Mason City, IA can regenerate healthy bone tissue where you need it most with bone grafting.

What to Expect During a Bone Graft

During your initial consultation, you will get to know your doctor, learn more about the process, and ask any questions you may have about bone grafting or subsequent procedures. We will also go over sedation options during this appointment, including IV sedation and local anesthesia.

During the bone grafting procedure itself, your doctor will collect a sample of healthy bone tissue and graft it onto your jaw in the targeted area. While bone grafts are sometimes harvested from the patient’s body, we typically use artificial bone alternatives, eliminating the need to harvest your bone tissue.

Whenever possible, we try to perform bone grafts at the same time we perform other procedures, such as dental implants. This minimizes the patient’s surgical risk and recovery time. In some situations, it may be necessary to perform the bone graft, allow some time for it to heal, then move forward with other procedures.

Comfort and Recovery After Your Treatment

The length of your recovery will depend on the size and location of your bone graft. While it is normal to experience some minor discomfort or swelling for a few days, most patients say that the bone graft is far more pleasant and comfortable than they imagined it would be.

One way in which we emphasize patient comfort is with the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) extracted from the patient’s own blood. By isolating natural growth factors and injecting them back into the patient’s body, we can significantly expedite the healing process and promote a fast, full recovery.

The Bone Grafting Results

Once your bone graft is completed, it will stimulate further growth of natural, healthy bone tissue. Ultimately, this will preserve your facial appearance and ensure a steady and secure place to anchor dental implants.

To schedule a bone graft consultation, contact North Iowa Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Mason City, IA at (641) 424-1656.