How Bone & Gum Grafting Can Help Fight Gum Disease in Boardman, OH
Gum disease affects millions of Americans, often progressing silently until serious damage occurs to both gums and underlying bone structure. At Perrott Dentistry, our dentist in Boardman, OH, Dr. Robert Perrott offers specialized bone and gum grafting procedures to help patients throughout Youngstown, Canfield, Poland, and the entire Mahoning Valley restore their oral health. These advanced treatments can help save teeth, rebuild lost tissue, and give you back your confident smile. If you’ve been dealing with receding gums or loose teeth, grafting might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Don’t hesitate to contact our Boardman dental office today by calling (330) 726-0090.
What is Bone and Gum Grafting?
Bone and gum grafting are specialized dental procedures designed to restore lost tissue in your mouth caused by periodontal disease. These techniques essentially replace what gum disease has taken away, rebuilding the foundation of your smile.
Bone Grafting
Bone Grafting involves adding bone material to areas where your natural bone has deteriorated. During this procedure, Dr. Perrott carefully places grafting material into these compromised areas. This material acts as a framework that encourages your body to generate new bone cells. Over time, this leads to increased bone density and volume, creating a stronger foundation for your teeth or future dental implants.
Gum Grafting
Gum Grafting addresses the loss of gum tissue. When gums recede due to disease, tooth roots become exposed, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. During a gum graft, Dr. Perrott takes healthy tissue (either from another area in your mouth or using donor tissue) and attaches it to areas where your gums have receded. As healing occurs, this new tissue integrates with your existing gums, providing better coverage and protection for your teeth.
How Bone Grafting Works
When gum disease has caused significant bone loss around your teeth, bone grafting becomes an essential restorative procedure. During this process, Dr. Perrott carefully places grafting material in areas where bone has been lost. This material serves as a scaffold, encouraging your body to rebuild natural bone tissue in these areas.
The grafting material may come from several sources:
- Your own bone (autograft)
- Donor bone (allograft)
- Animal-derived bone (xenograft)
- Synthetic materials
Over time, your body replaces the grafting material with your own bone, creating a solid foundation for your teeth or future dental implants. This process typically takes several months as new bone forms and integrates with existing structures.
Gum Grafting: Restoring Your Gumline
Gum recession is another common consequence of periodontal disease. As gums pull away from teeth, they expose sensitive root surfaces and create an unattractive appearance. Gum grafting addresses these issues by adding tissue to areas where gums have receded.
During a gum graft procedure, Dr. Perrott takes tissue from the roof of your mouth or uses donor tissue to cover exposed roots. This not only improves the appearance of your smile but also protects vulnerable tooth surfaces from decay and sensitivity.
Who’s a Candidate for Bone and Gum Grafting?
Not everyone with gum disease will need grafting procedures, but certain conditions make you an ideal candidate for these treatments. At Perrott Dentistry, Dr. Perrott evaluates each patient’s unique situation to determine if bone or gum grafting would be beneficial.
You may be a good candidate for bone grafting if:
- You have moderate to severe bone loss from advanced periodontal disease
- You’re planning to get dental implants but lack sufficient bone volume
- You have loose teeth due to bone deterioration
- You’re experiencing changes in your facial structure due to bone loss
- You have bone defects from tooth extractions or injuries
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact Perrott Dentistry by calling (330) 726-0090 to determine your candidacy for bone and gum grafting.
The Grafting Procedure: What to Expect
When you visit Perrott Dentistry for a grafting procedure, you can expect a comfortable experience with minimal discomfort. Dr. Perrott uses local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. For anxious patients, additional sedation options are available.
Most grafting procedures take between 30-90 minutes, depending on the extent of treatment needed. Recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which you’ll follow specific care instructions to ensure optimal healing. Dr. Perrott and our team will provide detailed aftercare guidelines and remain available to answer any questions throughout your recovery.
Benefits of Grafting
Investing in bone and gum grafting offers numerous long-term benefits:
- Preserves natural teeth that might otherwise be lost
- Creates a foundation for dental implants
- Improves the appearance of your smile
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
- Prevents further gum recession and bone loss
- Improves overall oral health
With proper maintenance and regular visits to Perrott Dentistry, your grafting results can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grafting painful?
While the idea of grafting may sound uncomfortable, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. The dentist ensures you’re properly numbed with local anesthesia, and we offer sedation options for anxious patients. After the procedure, any discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients describe the recovery as similar to having a wisdom tooth removed.
How long is the recovery period after grafting?
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of your procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 days, though complete healing takes several weeks. Soft tissue grafts generally heal within 2-3 weeks, while bone grafts may take 3-6 months to fully integrate. The dentist will provide specific timelines based on your individual case.
Will my insurance cover grafting procedures?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bone and gum grafting when deemed medically necessary to treat gum disease. The dentist works closely with patients to maximize insurance benefits and develop payment plans for any out-of-pocket expenses. We’re committed to making these essential treatments accessible to everyone in the Boardman area.
How successful are grafting procedures?
Bone and gum grafting procedures have high success rates, particularly when performed by an experienced dentist. Success depends on factors including your overall health, commitment to follow-up care, and whether you smoke. Studies show success rates of 70-95% for most grafting procedures, with proper aftercare significantly improving outcomes.
Your Healthier Smile Starts at Perrott Dentistry
Don’t let gum disease continue to damage your oral health and beautiful smile. At Perrott Dentistry in Boardman, OH, Dr. Robert Perrott provides expert care for patients from throughout Austintown, Campbell, Struthers, and the entire Mahoning Valley region. Our advanced grafting procedures can help reverse the damage caused by gum disease and set you on the path to improved oral health.
Contact the best dentist in Boardman by calling (330) 726-0090 to schedule a consultation and learn if bone or gum grafting might be right for you. Your journey to a healthier, stronger smile is just one appointment away.