Do gums grow back after bone graft?
If you have periodontitis, it’s possible that some of the bone that supports your teeth has begun to recede. Bones can be destroyed by periodontitis, or severe gum disease, and dental bone graft alexandria va can help new bone grow. It’s commonly understood that gum disease, if allowed to progress, can lead to the loss of teeth and the deterioration of the gum tissue, but it is less widely known that advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss in the jaw.
Gum disease is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in dental plaque, which is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. This bacterial overgrowth leads to tenderness and inflammation in the gum tissue, causing the gums to swell, feel sore, and bleed easily. Symptoms of gum disease include chronic bad breath, swelling or bleeding in the gums, loose or sensitive teeth, and pain while chewing. This earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and gingivitis is treatable, and even reversible. If allowed to progress and become periodontitis, however, bacterial overgrowth infects the gums and the tissue that is under the teeth, and this infection gradually breaks down the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place. If left unaddressed, the teeth will gradually loosen and fall out. At this point, surgical procedures, including dental bone grafts, are necessary to reverse the damage of periodontitis.
In a periodontal surgical procedure, the periodontist will make small incisions in the gum tissue, folding back the gum and cleaning any infection that exists beneath the gumline. They will also clean out tartar and smooth any rough surfaces that may prevent the gums from resting smoothly on the jawbone and teeth. If a significant amount of bone has receded, the periodontist will then place the bone graft material, repairing the damage wrought by gum disease. If teeth have already begun to fall out due to advanced gum disease, the periodontist can place a metal post, called a dental implant, into the jawbone but must first ensure that there is enough bone present to support an implant. Dental bone grafts provide this support, and, once healed, a dental implant can be placed; this dental implant will encourage and facilitate further bone growth as well as supporting dental restorations like crowns or bridges.
There are four main types of dental bone graft: autograft, allograft, xenograft, and alloplast. Autograft involves using the patient’s own bone as graft material. Allograft uses bone sourced from a human donor, usually a cadaver. Xenograft uses animal bone, usually derived from a cow, and alloplast uses a synthetic mineral material that is usually made from a combination of calcium, phosphorus, and other materials. Your dentist can explain the pros and cons of each type of bone graft and help determine which is the right choice for you.
In addition to a bone graft, your dentist may recommend the use of supplemental materials to encourage your body to regenerate tissue. These materials include mesh membranes and growth factor proteins and support the growth of healthy gum tissue and bone cells. Of course, it is important to maintain the health of newly repaired gums and jaws, just as the best way to avoid periodontal surgery is to prevent gum disease from occurring in the first place. Even after a restoration, dentists recommend that patients brush their teeth twice daily and floss daily, which maintains the health of not only any natural teeth that may remain but also the health of the gums and other tissues in the mouth. In addition, regular dental checkups allow dentists to keep an eye on the health of their patients’ gums and can help problems be treated before they advance. With the proper care, your healthy gums and jaw can support your smile for a lifetime.