Bone Grafting When most people think of bone grafts, they think of cancer treatments. Patients might be surprised that bone grafts are used even more frequently for the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Problems with the TMJ are known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). These situations can be caused by trauma, whether from an automobile accident or being struck in the face during sports activities. These symptoms can include not being able to swallow or chew without pain, or not being able to speak clearly. Once bone grafts are applied, they can fuse with existing tissue and restore lost functionality. For those patients who are suffering from TMJ problems and would like to find some relief, please come see us today at Wildhorse Dental. We can talk about all of the available treatment options and come up with a treatment plan to best suit your needs. Bone Graft DescriptionIt is important when bone graft tissue is taken, it is not compromised in any way. This means it needs to be disease-free. A bone graft is a small bit of bone material harvested from one area of the body and then applied to another. It is typically used in those situations where patients have limited bone mass and need more as part of an implant procedure. Adding mass to the upper and lower jaw has been known to hinder tooth decay as well as periodontal disease. For some restorative dental surgeries, additional bone mass will be necessary. Without the bone mass, patients are not eligible for those specific surgeries. For patients without a viable graft site, a donor with a proper tissue match can be used. When that option has been exhausted, synthetic bone graft material can be used instead. What Are the Different Types of Grafts?While the procedure for the grafts is the same, the reason they are chosen is different. The allograft and autograft are the two most frequently used. Taking bone graft from the patient themselves, the autograft, is widely used. The harvested graft is generally taken from either the pelvic bone or the hip bone. Not used as often as autografts, allografts are still highly recommended. Rather than taking grafted tissue from the individual patient or a donor, they use tissue harvested from a cadaver. The tissue is most often taken from a cadaver and placed in a tissue bank for later use. When is a Bone Graft Needed?Those patients who are suffering from pain at their TMJ or have difficulty while speaking or chewing can greatly benefit from a bone graft. Other symptoms can include not being able to fully open or completely close their mouths. Applied bone grafts can clear these symptoms up very easily. It does not matter if a patient has a history of problems with their TMJ or if they have just started. Either way, a bone graft is a great solution to taking care of those issues. If patients have questions, they are more than welcome to come by our Wildhorse Dental office or give us a call to schedule a consultation appointment. Our phone number is 636-537-0447. |
Office HoursMonday: 8:00am-5:00pm Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Wednesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Thursday: 7:30am-3:00pm Fri‑Sun: Closed |
