Osseous Grafting

In some cases, you may need to have a procedure known as osseous grafting, which refers to the surgical methods used to allow access to the roots of the teeth to remove tartar and harmful bacteria. This procedure is necessary to ensure your teeth are as healthy as possible. When visiting Dentalville Panorama City in Los Angeles for your appointment, you can rest assure knowing that we have undergone extensive training in this area and can put you at ease while ensuring you receive the highest level of care possible.

Osseous Grafting Goals

Osseous surgery is the preferred method to eradicate pockets and reshape irregularities experienced in the alveolar bone which surrounds your teeth. This type of procedure is commonly chosen as the most effective method to treat advanced cases of periodontal disease. Osseous surgery is performed with the ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating the pockets that cause periodontal disease. While the term “surgery” is used to describe the procedure, it is described by patients as really more of a deep, thorough cleaning.

The specified goals for osseous grafting include:

Preventing bacteria from spreading to other areas of the body: The bacteria found in the mouth can travel to other areas of your body. This issue can cause many different conditions such as heart disease or respiratory disease, which can be life-threatening. Through the removal of deep tartar, bacteria are also removed which aids in the prevention of it spreading.

Aid in avoiding the loss of bone: The appearance of periodontal bacteria initiates the inflammatory response of the body’s immune system. This sequence of events can be a precursor to bone loss in the jaw region and could ultimately lead to tooth decay or loss. Osseous surgery aids the dental team in helping to halt the progression of periodontal disease before it gets to this level of severity.

Giving you back your smile: Individuals that suffer from periodontal disease often have smiles with unsightly gums, rotting teeth, and indentations. These factors can lead to feelings of depression and insecurity, which is nothing to smile about. Osseous surgery can help restore your radiant smile, which in turn can raise your confidence while helping you to feel happier.

Simplifying your dental care regimen: As the pockets around the gums deepen, flossing and brushing can become difficult, if not impossible, to be correctly performed. Osseous surgery diminishes the size of the pocket, making it simpler for you to brush and floss. By performing adequate dental care at home, your chances of developing further periodontal disease are significantly reduced.

What happens during the procedure?

After a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, we will gently cut the gum area around the affected teeth to allow the gum tissue to be released. This action will allow access to both the bone and root portions of the tooth. After we have thoroughly cleaned each root through scaling, we will use a drill and hand tool to reshape the bone near the teeth. The bone may be removed in certain areas as a way to restore the natural rise and fall of the bone at a lower level. Occasionally, bone grafting may be warranted to fill in larger areas of concern.

We will place the gums back onto the bone and suture them into the correct position. The surgical site will be covered with a periodontal pack, bandage, or dressing. Depending on your specific needs, you will most likely be prescribed pain medicine and chlorhexidine mouth rinse following the procedure.

You may experience bleeding and swelling after osseous surgery, but there’s usually no need to be worried. Both bleeding and swelling can be curtailed by the use of an ice pack to the outside area. In rare cases when bleeding or swelling is severe, please call Dentalville Panorama City, where our highly trained team can help you with any problems or concerns. Most cases will require several follow-up visits, and it is imperative that you follow a stringent maintenance program, which is paramount to healing and the avoidance of an infection after the procedure.