Bone grafting

At Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, Dr. L.T. Johnson and his team frequently use bone grafting to restore volume and create a strong foundation for dental implants. With cutting-edge technology and a patient-first approach, OFSIH is a trusted practice for oral surgery in Houston and beyond.

Before the procedure, Dr. Johnson will choose from four types of bone grafts: autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic grafts. The right choice for you depends on the extent of bone loss, general health, treatment timeline, and personal preferences. 

Autografts (Your Own Bone)

With an autograft, bone is taken from another part of your body, such as the jaw, chin, hip, or tibia, and placed in the required area.

This option has a high success rate. However, it also involves another surgical site, which can be a deterrent to some patients.

Allografts (Donor Bone)

Allografts use processed bone from a human donor (often taken from a tissue bank). This graft eliminates the need for a second surgical site. It tends to have a slightly longer integration time than autografts, though.

Xenografts (Animal Bone)

Xenografts come from non-human sources, generally bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) bone. The bone is processed to remove proteins, leaving behind a mineral structure that promotes new bone growth.

You won’t need to go through another surgery with this type of graft, but bone integration may take more time than autografts and allografts.

Synthetic Bone Grafts

Synthetic options, such as bioactive glass or hydroxyapatite, are artificial materials that mimic natural bone structure and encourage new bone growth.

With these grafts, there’s no risk of disease transmission. There’s also no concern about human or animal donors. However, synthetic grafts may not integrate as quickly as natural bone sources.

Start Strengthening Your Smile Today

Bone grafting is a proven method for restoring lost bone and ensuring long-lasting implant success.

If you’re thinking about dental implants or have been advised to undergo a bone graft, Dr. Johnson and the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston team are here to help. Contact us today at 281-491-4545 to schedule a consultation.

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What Dental Issues Can Bone Grafts Treat?

If you’ve lost a tooth or multiple teeth or are experiencing a bone issue due to disease or trauma, your jawbone may begin to deteriorate. This can make it difficult for your care provider to place implants and complete other dental procedures.

A bone graft can treat many dental issues, including periodontal disease, missing teeth, empty areas due to prior tooth extraction, and more. Your oral surgeon will talk with you about whether a bone graft might be the right fit for your oral health needs.

What Happens During a Bone Graft?

Prior to your bone graft, your oral surgeon will discuss your care plan with you and go over answers to any questions you may have about your procedure. Next, you’ll undergo local or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort during your bone graft. Your surgeon will make an incision in the area where the graft will be applied, and then they will place the material (which will come from a donor, synthetic materials, or your own bone from another area), then stitch up the treatment area.

Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston: Providing Compassionate, Anxiety-Free Care

Dr. L.T. Johnson and the rest of the care team at Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston are here to provide you with a wide variety of oral and facial surgery procedures, including dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, bone grafting, facial trauma surgery, and more. We believe in providing a patient-first, anxiety-free experience for patients in all the areas we serve, including Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Houston, Katy, Rosenberg, and surrounding areas. We’d love to meet with you and talk about how we can protect and/or restore your smile. Reach out to our team today by calling 281-491-4545 to schedule your appointment and learn more about what we have to offer—we’re excited to talk with you!

The post Is Bone Grafting the Right Choice for Your Dental Needs? appeared first on Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston.