Dental Bone Graft in Dumfries, VA & Washington DC
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures, from common treatments like fillings or root canal therapy, cosmetic treatments like veneers or teeth whitening, emergency care, and restorative procedures like dental implants and full mouth reconstruction. To ensure you are comfortable and have as enjoyable an experience as possible, we also offer sedation dentistry so you can remain calm and receive the care you need.
Dental Bone Graft
Following the loss of a tooth or teeth, the socket that once held the tooth quickly begins to close up, and over time, the jawbone where the tooth used to set will begin to deteriorate. If enough deterioration occurs, there may no longer be enough jawbone left to support a dental implant. If there is not a sufficient amount of bone available, a dental bone graft may be necessary. There are several different types of bone grafts that can be used, including autograft, which is bone taken from your own body, xenograft, which is bone taken from an animal, allograft, which comes from a human donor, or alloplast, which is made of synthetic material.
Contact Dental Serenity
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures that will correct a range of oral health issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Procedural Steps of Dental Bone Grafting
Your appointment will begin with a review of your medical history to assess risks and avoid unnecessary complications and a discussion of what your treatment goals and expectations are. X-rays or other diagnostic exams will also be taken to assist with diagnosis and inform your treatment plan.
If it is decided that you are a viable candidate for a dental bone graft, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. Before performing the procedure, we will explain what you can expect during the procedure and answer any questions you might have. If requested or necessary, we will also administer dental sedation (nitrous oxide) to help reduce any anxiety or concern you may have and a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on. Once you are numbed, we will make an incision in your gum and place the graft in the socket, after which the area is stitched up and given time to heal. Once the healing process is complete (usually after 4-6 months), you will be ready to schedule an appointment for a dental implant.
What is the Cost of Bone Grafting?
The cost of bone grafting will depend on a variety of factors, including what type of grafting material is used, dental sedation, any additional procedures performed as part of the treatment, and whether you are covered by dental insurance. If you do have dental insurance, your final bill will be determined by your dental insurance coverage, co-pay requirements, and annual deductibles.
Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We also offer interest free financing through Lending Club, and CareCredit, or you may consider joining our Dental Serenity Membership Club to save money on treatment and simplify your payments for preventative care. To learn more about Dental Serenity Membership Club, click on the following link: https://dental-serenity.illumitrac.com/
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Is Special Care Required Following a Bone Graft?
Following your procedure, it is essential to follow post-operative instructions, which will be provided and reviewed before you leave. These instructions will typically cover:
- Controlling pain/discomfort: It is common to feel some soreness and general discomfort following your procedure. If you are prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or antibiotics, follow the prescribed dosage of any pain medication or antibiotics until your prescription runs out. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can also be taken to reduce any pain or discomfort during this recovery period.
- Diet: It is important to follow a soft food diet following your procedure for at least two weeks, sticking to foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, or soup and any food you can cut with a fork (cooked vegetables, casseroles, ground meat dishes, etc.) Avoid foods with berries or seeds in them, nuts, and popcorn until you are fully healed.
- Modifications to daily activities: It is important to rest and avoid excessive physical exertion for the first week following your procedure. During this recuperative period, it is not uncommon to experience chills or feelings of weakness for the first 1-3 days following your procedure. If this feeling lasts longer than 72 hours, contact our office.
- Oral hygiene: It is important to avoid disturbing the surgical area following your procedure. It is also important to avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for at least 24 hours. Following this, a soft bristle toothbrush is recommended. While the healing process following a bone graft is around two weeks, it will take several months for the grating process to be complete. Once sufficient bone mass is available and the implant has been placed, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits to ensure the longevity of your implant.
By following these instructions, you will significantly speed up the recovery process, reduce your risk of developing complications like peri-implantitis, and continue to enjoy good oral health and maintain a bright, healthy smile. Although the majority of dental bone grafts are successful, it is important to be aware that in some instances, the bone graft may not take, in which case another bone graft may be attempted, or alternative treatment options may be pursued.
Dentistry with a Gentle Touch
At Dental Serenity™, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause concern and anxiety, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that your experience is an enjoyable one. To help provide you with as enjoyable an experience as possible, our office is fitted with free high-speed wireless internet, flat screen TVs in all of our treatment rooms, soothing music to put you in a relaxed state, aromatherapy, and neck massagers in our waiting room. We are also committed to providing you with services when you need them most, which is why we offer early morning and late evening appointments throughout the week.
To schedule an appointment for bone grafting, contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the best dental care possible delivered in a comfortable and calm environment by professionals who are committed to ensuring that you receive the personalized care you deserve and provide you with a healthy smile that you can feel confident in!