Your dentist may advise you to see an oral surgeon if they think you need an advanced procedure. In some cases, the surgeon may advise you to consider a bone graft to resolve an ongoing problem. This technique involves transplanting bone tissue from a healthy area to another part of the mouth to help reconstruct the bone in that location. Here are three reasons it may be recommended.

Why Get Bone Grafting?

1. You Have Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that, left untreated, may lead to gum loss and eventual tooth and bone loss. This can occur if bacteria begin to seep below the gum line and consume the jawbone, leaving the mouth at risk of misalignment and loss of bone. With a graft performed after the gum disease is treated, your oral surgeon can restore strength and vitality to your mouth while improving its appearance. 

2. You Grind Your Teeth

Light grinding won’t cause harm, but if you have a chronic habit then it could cause long-term damage to your teeth and gums. This can eventually affect your teeth if the gums wear away, leaving the support weakened and leading to deterioration of the bone. Your provider may choose to graft new bone to minimize the impact of this problem and increasing the likelihood of fresh bone growth in affected areas.

3. Your Teeth Are Crooked

Teeth that are especially crooked can be difficult to clean, especially as food particulates accumulate between them. This encourages the formation of gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth decay that impacts the condition of the bone. Your provider may perform a deep cleaning before developing a treatment for your periodontitis. After this, they may consider a graft to restore health to your damaged bone. 
 

If you seek a reliable oral surgeon to perform bone grafting, turn to Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS. Proudly serving patients throughout Honolulu, HI, they offer a range of services to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. Rely on them for everything from wisdom tooth removal to dental implants. Visit the website for more information, or call (808) 973-1433 to schedule an appointment.