Dental Grafting, gum grafting
By: Ken HurtTotal Views: 275, Word Count: 632,
Dental grafting is defined as the bone drafting or bone transplant procedure that implants missing bone supporting you teeth. It is also known as gum drafting. This surgery takes place in the areas where bone is diminished due to the process of resorption.
Process of Dental Grafting
1. This is most often recommended technique for dental implants and / or oral surgery procedures.
2. Implants are basically a type of titanium screws placed into the bone, which needs sufficient bone density and area to hold up the implant.
- In dental grafting, a patient's own bone is used which serves best results in grafting procedures. This is also called autograft.
- The dentist may break off a bone from other areas of the mouth, or they can bring together bone fragments that are suctioned out of the mouth.
- Sometimes, Xenograft technique is used which refers to grafting of bone used from different species. In this case, bovine bone is used to replace the missing bone structure of human teeth. The main advantage of this process is that bigger quantities of bone can be easily acquired rather than the bone of human origin.
- At the end of the process, barrier membranes of various varieties i.e. collagen or titanium are be used to wrap the bone graft spot to avoid gum growth over the site.
Main Aspects of Dental Graft
· The most common conditions for the graft include diminishing gums that expose major part of tooth, root exposure, uneven gum tissue, and sensitivity.
· The free gingival graft (FGG) takes tissue from the roof of the mouth and fixes it to the gum line where it will grow and adhere.
· In case of connective tissue graft (CTG), it requires better surgical skills and takes part in more serious cases to wrap exposed roots. Curing of these techniques takes longer time and there is need of follow-up laser reshaping.
How to Take Care of the Dental Graft?
· Take pain medicine prescribed before leaving the dental office or after you get home. It will help after the anesthesia wears off.
· Wear a stent if suggested by the dentist. A stent is like a retainer covered with gel that protects the roof of the mouth where donor tissue is situated and also helps in healing. So always wear the stent as long as it is required. Do wash it daily with soap and water.
· Avoid spitting, drinking with a straw, rinsing, or eating crispy and sharp-edged foods for at least 24 hours after the process of dental graft. If you fail to avoid this, it can result in bleeding as well as delay of healing.
· Get rest for 24 hours after the process of dental grafting. Avoid any kind of physical activity and rest down with the head in an elevated position.
· Always keep the operated area hygienic with a Q-tip and any type of antibacterial wash provided by your dental office.
· Do not brush at the operated site without the permission of our dentist.
No matter what kind of dental grafting your dentist chooses, if your jawbone is healthy, and you do not have any gum problems in the area of the implant, then don’t worry about this dental implant bone grafting.
About the Author
Dr. Ken Hurt is a well known dentist and has been in this field since 1995. He is graduated in doctor of dental medicine from London University. His interest lies in cosmetic dentistry, gum and teeth replacement, children dentistry, drug therapy, psychology in dentistry, oral surgery and pathology.
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