When tooth loss occurs, the jawbone begins deteriorating immediately, but bone and tissue grafts can restore the foundation needed for successful dental implants and optimal oral health. These regenerative procedures rebuild lost bone and soft tissue, creating a stable base for tooth replacement and preserving your facial structure.
At Elite Dental Aesthetics in Reno, Dr. Travis Adams combines advanced surgical techniques with cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive bone and tissue grafting solutions. His extensive training in oral surgery during his military service, coupled with his commitment to quality over quantity patient care, ensures you receive the personalized attention and exceptional results you deserve.
How Bone and Tissue Loss Occurs
Tooth loss triggers an immediate biological response in your jawbone. Within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in the affected area, with continued deterioration over time. This bone resorption occurs because the roots of your natural teeth stimulate the jawbone through chewing forces, maintaining bone density and volume.
Without this stimulation, your body begins reabsorbing the bone tissue, leading to several consequences. The jawbone shrinks both in height and width, potentially affecting neighboring teeth and altering your facial appearance. Additionally, insufficient bone volume makes it challenging or impossible to place dental implants successfully.
Gum tissue also recedes and changes shape after tooth loss. The soft tissue that once surrounded your tooth root begins to shrink and may develop an uneven contour. This tissue loss can create aesthetic concerns and complicate future restorative treatments.
Types of Bone Grafts
Several bone grafting options are available depending on your specific needs and the extent of bone loss. Autografts use bone harvested from another area of your own body, typically from the chin, jaw, or hip. This type offers the highest success rate because your body readily accepts its own tissue.
Allografts utilize processed bone from human donors, which has been thoroughly sterilized and prepared for transplantation. These grafts provide excellent results while eliminating the need for a second surgical site in your body.
Xenografts employ bone from animal sources, usually bovine, that has been specially processed to remove all organic components. The remaining mineral structure serves as a scaffold for your new bone growth.
Synthetic bone grafts use laboratory-created materials designed to mimic natural bone properties. These materials gradually dissolve as your body forms new bone tissue around them.
Tissue Grafting Procedures
Soft tissue grafts address gum recession and create healthy tissue around teeth or implants. Free gingival grafts involve taking tissue from the roof of your mouth and transplanting it to areas with inadequate gum tissue. This procedure increases the thickness of thin gum tissue and creates a more stable foundation.
Connective tissue grafts also use tissue from your palate, but place it underneath existing gum tissue. This technique effectively covers exposed tooth roots while maintaining a natural appearance.
Guided tissue regeneration combines bone grafting with special membranes that prevent soft tissue from growing into the bone healing area. This allows bone cells time to regenerate and fill the defect properly.
The Grafting Process
Before any grafting procedure, Dr. Adams conducts a comprehensive evaluation using advanced 3D imaging technology. This assessment determines the exact location and extent of bone or tissue loss, allowing for precise treatment planning.
During the procedure, the treatment area is carefully prepared, and the graft material is placed strategically. For bone grafts, the material is secured with special techniques and may be covered with a protective membrane. The surgical site is then sutured closed to promote proper healing.
Healing typically occurs over several months as your body gradually incorporates the graft material. New bone and tissue grow into and around the graft, creating a strong, stable foundation. Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Adams to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.
Benefits of Bone and Tissue Grafts
Successful grafting procedures restore the foundation necessary for stable, long-lasting dental implants. The restored bone volume allows for proper implant placement and integration, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
Beyond implant preparation, bone grafts help preserve your facial structure and prevent the sunken appearance often associated with bone loss. Maintaining adequate bone volume supports your facial muscles and prevents premature aging.
Tissue grafts improve both the health and appearance of your gums. They reduce tooth sensitivity caused by root exposure, lower the risk of root decay, and create a more attractive gum line. Healthy gum tissue also provides better protection against gum disease and other oral health complications.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Elite Dental Aesthetics utilizes state-of-the-art technology to enhance grafting outcomes. Our advanced imaging systems provide detailed views of your bone structure, allowing for precise treatment planning and minimally invasive procedures.
Dr. Adams employs microsurgical techniques that promote faster healing and reduce post-operative discomfort. These refined approaches result in more predictable outcomes and shorter recovery times.
Our commitment to dental technology extends to the materials and techniques we use. We select only the highest quality graft materials and stay current with the latest advances in regenerative dentistry.
Your Path to Restored Oral Health
Don’t let bone or tissue loss prevent you from achieving optimal oral health and a confident smile. Dr. Adams and our experienced team at Elite Dental Aesthetics are dedicated to providing you with the comprehensive care you need to restore your mouth’s foundation.
With our focus on quality patient care and personalized treatment approaches, we take the time necessary to ensure your complete comfort and satisfaction. Our advanced techniques and commitment to excellence make us the ideal choice for your bone and tissue grafting needs in Reno and the surrounding areas.
Ready to learn more about how bone and tissue grafts can benefit your oral health? Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Adams at (775) 200-1956. Take the first step toward restoring your smile’s foundation and discovering the difference that quality dental care can make in your life.