Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It occurs when plaque and tartar build up around your teeth, leading to inflammation and infection (gingivitis). If left untreated, the infection spreads to the tooth-supporting tissues, causing periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause severe damage to your jawbone and other structures that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss or even requiring surgical intervention in some cases. A bone graft is an effective treatment for bone loss associated with periodontitis. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what periodontitis bone graft is, how it works, and when it may be necessary for your treatment.
What is Periodontitis Bone Graft?
Periodontitis bone graft, also known as periodontal bone graft, is a minor surgical procedure that replaces a lost or damaged jawbone that has been caused by advanced periodontal disease. This will help restore jawbone structure and volume, as well as help restore the support needed for teeth.
During the procedure, a small amount of bone graft material will be inserted into the affected area to help fill in any gaps that were caused by periodontitis. This will help provide a stable foundation for the teeth and encourage bone healing and regeneration.
Bone grafting can also also be used for dental implants to provide a foundation for the placement of implants when a patient has insufficient bone volume.
Periodontitis and Bone Loss
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and tissues supporting teeth. Bacteria in plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, causes inflammation and infection of the gums (gingivitis).
If left untreated, the infection may spread to the bone that supports teeth, causing periodontitis, an advanced stage of periodontal disease.
As periodontitis progresses, the bone supporting teeth is gradually destroyed and gums begin to recede, resulting in the formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums and shifting of teeth. This will make teeth appear longer and misaligned, leading to a less attractive and more aged appearance.
Bone loss can also lead to tooth mobility and even tooth loss. A bone graft may be necessary for reversing periodontal disease bone loss.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
Several types of bone graft can be used to treat bone loss associated with periodontitis.
- Autogenous bone grafts, which use a patient’s bone taken from another part of their body
- Allografts, which use donated human cadaver bone tissue
- Xenografts, which use bone material taken from an animal, such as bovine
- Alloplastic grafts, which use synthetic materials such as hydroxyapatite
For patients with advanced periodontitis, a bone graft may be part of a more comprehensive periodontal treatment plan. It can increase the attachment of gums to the teeth and reduce periodontal pockets, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing at home.
In addition, this procedure can prevent further deterioration of the jawbone and help preserve natural teeth for longer.
How is a Bone Graft Performed to Treat Periodontitis?
Periodontitis bone graft surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the dentist or periodontist will make incisions in the gums and expose the bone beneath.
The periodontist will then remove any damaged or infected bone with surgical tools. Then, theyt will perform scaling and root planing, a process of cleaning the surface of the tooth and root.
Once the area is cleaned, the periodontist will insert graft material into the area. The graft material is held in place using a membrane, and then the gums are stitched back together.
The bone graft will promote new bone growth and create a stronger, healthier foundation for the teeth.
Is a Periodontitis Bone Graft Procedure Painful?
The answer depends on how much work is being done and the patient’s pain threshold. Generally, dental bone grafting is done under local anesthetic, which numbs the areas around the teeth and gums.
Therefore, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After the surgery, discomfort can be expected for a few days.
Pain medications may also be prescribed by your periodontist to help ease any discomfort you may experience.
Aftercare Instruction
Immediately following the procedure, it is important to follow your periodontist’s aftercare instructions, including:
- Apply ice or a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling and soreness
- Avoid rinsing your mouth for up to 24 hours after the procedure
- Take the prescribed medications to reduce pain, swelling, and infection
- Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid hard, crunchy, spicy foods
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- Do not brush the surgical area
- Clean your teeth gently twice daily with a soft toothbrush
On top of that, follow-up appointments may be necessary to check the success of bone graft and periodontitis treatment.
Periodontitis Bone Graft – Conclusion
Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that destroys the bone and tissues that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss. A bone graft procedure is an effective treatment to restore the damage caused by periodontitis.
Bone grafting is part of a comprehensive periodontitis treatment plan that usually includes other procedures, such as scaling and root planning. Following post-operative instructions is essential to ensure a successful outcome.
