Bone Grafting Dental Surgery - Lincoln, NE Trauma and Injury Dentistry

If you are seriously injured, there's a chance that your jawbone may be fractured in some way. Auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bike accidents can all lead to this sort of trauma, even if you are wearing a seat belt or a helmet. Slips, falls, and physical assaults can similarly result in facial trauma that impacts the jaw. When these sorts of injuries occur, it's important to seek medical attention right away. The sooner the problem is addressed, the easier it will be for doctors to develop a solution for your needs.

The team at our Lincoln dental care center can help address breaks and fractures of the jaw should they occur. One such option to consider is bone grafting, which we commonly use to remedy bone loss in patients who would like to get dental implants. Let's explore this issue in more detail.

Repairing the Jaw: Options to Consider

When a person's jaw is fractured, it's important the the broken sections of the bone be rejoined. This will help restore stability and shape to the jaw, and will prevent pain and discomfort associated with poor jaw function as well.

While metal screws and plates may be used for certain kinds of jaw fractures, it's also possible to use bone tissue to help fix the fractured jawbone.

About Bone Grafting

Bone grafting refers to the process of using donor bone tissue to address breaks and fractures of the bones. In the case of a fractured jaw, bone tissue can be taken from one part of the body and then used to mend a damaged jaw. Once the graft and the natural bone have merged, the broken bone is fully healed and restored.

Sources of Bone Grafts

When using bone grafts, there are a few options to consider. A bone graft may be taken directly from the patient himself or herself, with donor bone harvested from the hip or the shin. Donor bone may also be harvested from cadavers, and there are artificial bone grafts available as well.

During a consultation at the practice, we can discuss the ideal grafting option for you and your needs. We will also be able to address any concerns you may have with regard to the risks and benefits of treatment.

How Long Does Healing Take?

Healing from a grafting surgery is not something that occurs overnight. It can take a few months for the bone grafts to fully fuse with the existing bone in the jaw. This can vary to some degree based on the nature of the injury and the extent of the graft used. We'll be able to offer a better estimate regarding healing time during the consultation process.

The Results of Bone Grafting

After having jaw trauma repaired through the use of bone grafts, patients will experience restored ability to bite, chew, and perform normal daily tasks. The grafts are strongly bonded to the existing bone, meaning there is a very low chance of a stress fracture developing from normal jaw function.

Learn More About Bone Grafting

If you would like more information about bone graft procedures and how they can help address your needs, be sure to contact an experienced dentist and oral surgeon today. Dr. Andrew R. Glenn and his team will help you experience improved dental health and wellness.

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