Oral Surgery
If you have been missing one or multiple teeth, you are at risk for progressive bone loss and deterioration. At Classic Smiles Dentistry in Austell, Georgia, our team wants to help you restore your smile and oral function. This is accomplished through the use of the latest advances and techniques in bone grafting to achieve an optimal outcome.
Bone Grafting
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance. Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridgework and dental implants. When the jawbone has receded or sustained significant damage, the implant(s) cannot be supported on this unstable foundation and bone grafting is usually recommended for the ensuing restoration.
What does Bone Grafting entail?
The bone grafting procedure can often take several months to complete. Bone is typically harvested from your own body (or on rare occasions obtained from a “bone bank”) and added to the affected site. This bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass to help support and anchor the implant(s). During the surgery, the dentist will numb the grafting and extraction sites using a local anesthetic. A small incision will be made to prepare the site for the new bone and it will be anchored into place. On occasion, a synthetic membrane may be used to cover the new bone. This membrane prevents soft tissue and bacterial invasions, and encourages new bone growth. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be provided with comprehensive instructions for your post-operative care. The dentist will prescribe medications to help manage infection, discomfort and swelling.
Extractions
Here at Classic Smiles Dentistry, our main goal is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible. There are times, however, when it is in your best interest to have a tooth extracted. This could be the case for a variety of reasons. When there's too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, the tooth may need to be extracted from its socket in the bone. There are two types of extractions: a simple extraction, where the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator to remove the tooth, or a surgical extraction, a more complex procedure, which is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not, erupted in the mouth. Both procedures will require some form of anesthesia.
Let us help you take care of your teeth! Call Classic Smiles Dentistry and set up an appointment by dialing (770) 319-8110.
