As an adult living in Hawaii, maintaining good oral health is crucial for your overall well-being. Your teeth and gums play a vital role in your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. However, as you age, various dental issues can arise, and addressing them promptly is essential. One such condition that may require specialized treatment is the need for bone grafting.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which new bone material is placed into areas of the jaw where bone loss has occurred. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or in preparation for dental implants. The grafted bone material acts as a scaffold, stimulating the growth of new bone and helping to restore the natural structure of your jaw.

Benefits of Bone Grafting in Adult Dentistry

Undergoing bone grafting in adult dentistry can provide you with several benefits, including:
 

• Improved Dental Implant Outcomes: If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, bone grafting can help ensure that your jaw has sufficient bone volume to support the implants, leading to better long-term outcomes.
• Preservation of Facial Structure: By maintaining the integrity of your jaw, bone grafting can help prevent the sunken or aged appearance that can occur due to significant bone loss.
• Enhanced Chewing Ability: With a stronger, more stable jaw, you can enjoy improved chewing function, making it easier to eat a wide variety of healthy foods.
• Boosted Confidence: Restoring the natural structure of your mouth can enhance your smile and improve your overall self-confidence.

The Bone Grafting Procedure in Adult Dentistry

Your doctor will thoroughly examine your mouth and take X-rays or other imaging scans to assess the extent of the bone loss and determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, your oral surgeon may need to extract any damaged or loose teeth before proceeding with the bone grafting procedure.

During the bone grafting procedure, your oral surgeon will carefully place the new bone material into the areas of your jaw that require restoration. This bone material may come from your own body, a donor source, or a synthetic material.

After the bone grafting procedure, you will need to allow several months for the new bone to integrate with your existing bone and for the area to heal properly. During this time, you may need to follow a specific diet and avoid certain activities. Your oral surgeon will closely monitor your progress and schedule any additional procedures, such as the placement of dental implants, as needed.

Is Bone Grafting Right for You?

As an adult living in Hawaii, maintaining the health and integrity of your mouth is crucial for your overall well-being. Bone grafting can be an essential component of adult dentistry, helping to restore the natural structure of your jaw and paving the way for successful dental treatments, such as implants or restorations. By working closely with your dental healthcare team, you can ensure that your oral health remains in top condition, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of confident, comfortable, and healthy smiles.

To learn more about the role of bone grafting and how it can benefit your oral health, schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team today. We are committed to providing personalized, high-quality care to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Visit Pediatric Dental Group (a KIDSHINE Family Practice) at any of our offices in Honolulu, Pearl City, Kapolei, Kailua, or Lihue. We offer compressive pediatric dental care, orthodontics, oral surgery, adult dentistry, and hospital dentistry throughout all our KIDSHINE family practices. Please call (808) 245-2131 or (808) 593-8828 to book an appointment today.