Bone Grafting Long Island

Some patients lack sufficient bone in their jaw to support dental implants or other dental prosthetics. In such cases, Dr. Dimitrios Kilimitzoglou can perform bone grafting to add strength to the bone. At our Long Island practice, many of our patients have experienced the benefits of this surgical procedure. 

If you are interested in restoring the functionality and appearance of your smile, it may be necessary to utilize bone grafting as a means to place dental implants. To learn more, please contact ESI Dental today. We are conveniently located in Smithtown, Long Island. 

When patients experience tooth loss, they not only lose the physical tooth; there are a number of other oral health issues that can arise as well. One such issue is diminishment of the jaw bone. This can occur as a result of gum disease or from the trauma associated with loss of the tooth. No matter the reason, having a strong jaw bone is important for patients who are considering dental implants or other surgical procedures. Without a strong jaw, dental implants cannot be successfully placed in the mouth.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves the addition or alteration of bone around the teeth. Therefore, patients who wish to replace lost teeth, but have deteriorated bone, may consider bone grafting as a way to ensure the success of the dental procedure. Dr. K works with patients to determine the extent of bone deterioration, and discusses their replacement options with them in detail so that they can make an informed decision regarding treatment. 

Dr. Kilimitzoglou has extensive experience performing bone grafts. The process begins with an evaluation of the existing bone. This will allow Dr. K to determine exactly how much additional bone is needed, and where it will be placed. This stage will typically involve oral examinations, as well as X-rays. Once this information is gathered, Dr. Kilimitzoglou will discuss the options for bone grafting with the patient. There are three ways that the procedure can be conducted. The first method involves taking bone from elsewhere in the patient’s body and using it in the jaw. Another option is to use bone from a donor. Dr. Kilimitzoglou can also perform the procedure using synthetic materials, although grafting tends to be most successful with real bone.

Once the source of bone has been established, the actual procedure can be performed.  Dr. Kilimitzoglou will carefully install the replacement bone in its appropriate place. This “new” bone will be covered with a protective membrane to aid in the healing process and avoid infection. Dr. K then closes the gums with stitches. Over the next few months, the bone will begin to settle into the jaw and new bone will also be generated. This provides a solidified, strong bone that is ready to support other dental procedures. Once the area heals, Dr. K can successfully place dental implants. 

Before the bone grafting procedure was developed, patients who had issues with bone deficiency were simply ruled out as candidates for dental implants. With this procedure, Dr. Kilimitzoglou is able to actually foster bone growth and help patients who would typically be ill-suited for implants become “ideal” candidates for the procedure. Bone grafting has made dental implants available to virtually everyone. Not only can bone grafting create a setting for dental implants, it can reverse bone deterioration previously caused by infection or periodontal disease. By allowing dental implants to be placed, bone grafting has a multitude of secondary benefits, including eliminating the risk of infection, preserving the alignment of the teeth and decreasing pain that is associated with tooth loss. 

If you are interested in learning more about bone grafting and other restorative dental procedures, contact our Long Island-area practice today. ESI Dental proudly serves patients out of our Smithtown location.