Dental Bone Grafts Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Dental Bone Grafts Washington DC & Alexandria VA
The primary reason to have a dental bone graft is to grow a sufficient amount of bone that can support a dental implant. Dental bone grafts are performed following a tooth extraction or to save a tooth or teeth from falling out due to periodontal disease. Following the loss of a tooth or teeth, the socket where the tooth once was will begin to close, which will eventually result in the jawbone beginning to deteriorate. If the jawbone
deteriorates too much, it will no longer have a sufficient amount of bone to support a dental implant. When this occurs, a dental bone graft will be necessary to create sufficient bone volume to support an implant.
Dental bone grafts can be made from a variety of materials, the most common being bone harvested from your body (either the jaw or hip), bone harvested from an animal or cadaver, or a graft made of synthetic material. Regardless of the material type, the graft will be strategically placed. Once the bone has healed, you will be ready to have a dental implant placed.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about dental bone grafting, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Bone Graft Procedure Expectations
Prior to your dental bone graft procedure, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic and/or sedation if necessary. Once you are properly numbed, your periodontist will peel back your gum in order to clean out any bacteria, infected gum tissue, and smooth out any rough tooth surfaces. Once the area has been properly cleaned, the graft material will be placed and is then covered with a special membrane that will facilitate bone growth and protect the area from bacteria.
Once the dental bone graft procedure is complete, the healing process can begin and your new bone can start to grow. Although you will typically recover from this procedure within 7-10 days, the process of growing a new bone can range from four to nine months. During this time, your periodontist will continue to test the graft to ensure it is secure and stable. Once the graft has fused sufficiently, you will be ready to have dental
implants placed.
An important thing to keep in mind is that even though most patients will have success with their bone graft, success is not guaranteed. There are a variety of reasons a dental bone graft may not develop, but the most common is due to patients contracting an oral infection.
Bone Graft Aftercare
The initial healing process following a dental bone graft procedure is around 7-10 days, but it will take significantly longer for the bone graft to fuse with your jawbone. Immediately following your bone grafting procedure, it is essential that you follow post-procedure instructions. Follow the prescribed dosage of medication and antibiotics and avoid vigorous brushing or rinsing. It is also important to avoid touching the surgical site as much as possible. Swelling following a dental bone graft is also common, and can generally be addressed through the use of ice packs and anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication.
Once you have completed the healing process, it will not be necessary to follow additional aftercare instructions; however, in order to maximize the benefits of your procedure, it is imperative that you continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily and continue scheduling regular visits to your dentist or periodontist. These regular visits ensure that your teeth will receive regular professional cleanings and will also reduce your risk of underlying issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis from developing. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come!
Dental Bone Graft Procedure Cost
The cost of a dental bone graft will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) was used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for a dental bone graft, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!