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Bone Grafting in Mansfield, Ohio

At times, people who want the restoration of dental implants are not candidates because of poor quality and quantity of bone density, but with our bone grafting in Mansfield, Ohio, we have the ability to grow and strengthen bone as needed.

A 3D illustration showing a dental bone grafting procedure in the upper jaw, with a syringe-like tool inserting bone graft material into the area above the front teeth.

What is Bone Grafting and Why You Might Need It?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure to repair or rebuild bones through the transplantation of bone tissue. By transplanting healthy bone tissue, we can recreate bone and supporting tissues that are missing or damaged. This is particularly important in dentistry, where bone grafting can provide a solid foundation for dental implants, preserve facial bone structure after tooth extraction, or repair bones damaged by trauma or disease.

Types of Bone Grafts

Your oral surgeon in Mansfield will exhaust all options with you and guide you toward the best bone grafting procedure, based on your wants and the state of your jawbone density.

Major Bone Grafting: This procedure is typically required when substantial amounts of bone are lost due to trauma, congenital defects, or severe periodontal disease. Major bone grafting involves rebuilding or reshaping jawbones and is often necessary to prepare the mouth for dental implants.

Minor Bone Grafting: Often performed right after a tooth extraction to fill the empty socket and prevent bone loss, minor bone grafting helps maintain the contour of the gum and jawbone, making it easier to fit implants later.

Ridge Expansion: In cases where the jaw isn't wide enough to support dental implants, ridge expansion involves grafting bone along the top of the jaw to increase its width. This procedure not only helps in implant placement but also improves the aesthetic appearance of the gums and jawline.

Common Cases and Conditions That May Require Bone Grafting

Bone grafting can play a vital role in various dental and medical scenarios:

  • Dental Implants: For patients with missing teeth, bone grafts provide the necessary support for dental implants, ensuring they are securely anchored.
  • Jawbone Preservation: Following tooth extraction, a bone graft can help preserve the jawbone’s structure and prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss.
  • Restoration After Injury or Disease: In cases where the jawbone is damaged by trauma or disease, bone grafts can help restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
A patient wearing protective glasses lies in a dental chair while two dentists, wearing masks and gloves, work on his teeth using dental instruments.

Our Bone Grafting Procedure

Our bone grafting procedure begins with administering anesthesia to make sure you experience no discomfort throughout the process. Dr. Yanich will then apply local anesthesia to numb the specific areas of your gums where the bone will be extracted. To accurately determine the amount of bone required, he may make precise incisions to gently pull back the gum tissue, revealing the underlying bone.

If Dr. Yanich needs to use bone from another area of your mouth or even from a different part of your body, he will perform an additional incision at the donor site to retrieve the necessary bone. This bone is then carefully positioned in the area of the previous bone, and the site is secured with stitches.

To finalize the procedure, Dr. Yanich will attach the new bone to your existing jawbone using a titanium screw or similar stabilizing materials to ensure the graft is solid and secure. He may also enhance the healing process by placing a special membrane around the graft site. The surgical site is then neatly closed with sutures, concluding the procedure.

Recovery Tips from Dr. Yanich Following Your Procedure

Recovering from bone grafting is just as important as the procedure itself. At Yanich Oral Surgery, we want you to heal properly. 

Manage Pain and Swelling

You may experience some pain and swelling after the procedure. Dr. Yanich will likely prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to manage these symptoms. Applying ice packs to your cheek in the affected area for the first 24-48 hours intermittently—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off—can also help reduce swelling.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Keeping the area around the graft clean is vital. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding vigorous brushing or flossing near the surgical site. Starting 24 hours after surgery, gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals, can reduce discomfort and cleanse the area.

Eating and Drinking

Adopting a soft or liquid diet for the first few days post-surgery will prevent irritation at the graft site. Avoid hot beverages and hard, crunchy foods that could disrupt the graft.

Activity Level

Rest is crucial; avoid strenuous activities for at least a week to prevent any excessive swelling or bleeding. Keep your head elevated with pillows when lying down to help reduce swelling.

Monitor for Signs of Infection

Be vigilant for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, pus, or fever. Contact Dr. Yanich immediately if you notice any of these symptoms or if you have concerns about your recovery process.

Strengthen Your Smile with Bone Grafting

Yanich Oral Surgery is ready to guide you toward achieving a healthier, more robust smile. Our team, led by acclaimed oral surgeon Dr. Yanich, is committed to providing compassionate, expert care personalized to the treatment you need.

Improve your dental health and overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a lasting smile transformation.