Bone grafts are commonly performed by dentists to restore jawbone density, especially after tooth loss or gum disease has caused bone deterioration. This procedure not only helps repair damaged bone but also prepares the area for future treatments, such as dental implants. One question many patients have when considering a bone graft is whether their gums will grow back afterward. If you need a bone graft and are wondering about your gums, read on to learn more about what happens during and after the procedure and what you can expect from your gums.
Bone Grafts
A bone graft is an out-patient procedure performed in a dental office. Bone grafts involve a dentist grafting donor bone onto a person’s existing jawbone. The goal of this procedure is to increase the thickness of the jawbone. This is often necessary because of bone deterioration due to tooth loss or periodontal disease. The graft will help repair the damage. Bone grafts are also commonly performed to support tooth replacements options like dental implants, which rely on a post fusing with the jawbone. If the jawbone is not thick enough, the post will not fuse.
During the procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums at the graft site to expose the jawbone. Then they graft donor bone onto the existing bone, which needs support. Over time the donor bone and existing bone heal together and form a stronger, thicker structure.
Bone Grafting and Gums
In general, the gums will grow back after a bone graft as the mouth heals. The extent and quality of the gums healing will vary based on the overall healing process.
- Following the bone graft, the gums will start healing and covering the graft area. This typically happens within a few weeks of the procedure.
- Over the next few months, the gums will continue to adapt and heal around the grafting site while the bone graft fuses with the existing bone. In most cases, the gums will grow back to like they were before the grafting procedure.
- In some cases, the gum tissue won’t grow back to cover the area in the way, the person or dentist wants. In these cases, the dentist or periodontist may perform a gum graft or recontouring procedure to ensure optimal gum health and appearance.
In some cases, the dentist may recommend using membranes or growth-stimulating proteins to support the body’s natural bone and gum tissue regeneration. One method for doing this is called guided tissue regeneration (GTR), which involves placing a small mesh layer between the gum and bone after the bone graft is attached to the existing bone. This promotes healing by preventing the gum tissue from growing into the space where the new bone needs to grow after the graft.
What is the bottom line?
If you need a bone graft and are worried about your gums, speak with your dentist today. They dentist will be able to analyze your mouth and gums to let you know about how bone grafting would impact your overall mouth and your gum’s ability to grow back.