What is a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting has become a routine throughout medicine because of how it helps bodies heal.  A bone graft procedure consists of harvesting bone material from a healthy part of a patient’s body, and transferring it to a site that needs reinforcement. When a dental patient needs an implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, a bone graft is used to strengthen the jaw. At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group we perform bone grafts for patients to prepare them for a permanent tooth replacement.

If tooth loss or gum disease has left a portion of the jaw bone vulnerable, a replacement tooth cannot be placed until the jaw bone is strong enough to receive the implant. The doctor will harvest bone material from another part of the patient’s mouth and graft it to the jaw bone. This gives the deficient bone a replacement, and encourages growth of new material around the site. The healing process can take several months, and should be monitored by a dentist until the bone is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant.

To learn more about bone grafting and all the services we provide at the practice, visit FrederickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.