When your oral surgeon suggests that you need a bone graft, it may sound like a terrifying procedure. However, this treatment is a relatively minor procedure that is used more frequently than you may have realized. Bone grafts are frequently used in conjunction with other dental procedures, such as implant placement in an area where the jawbone has weakened.

When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

When a patient lacks sufficient bone structure to support the placement of dental implants, bone grafting is recommended. The body produces new bone cells on a regular basis, but this production can decrease over time. You may eventually not have enough bone in your jaw to provide the strong foundation your teeth require to stay in place. If this is the case, you will most likely benefit from a bone graft.

The following are some of the most common causes of bone density loss:

• Gum disease- It is characterized by chronic inflammation and infection of the gums.
• After tooth extraction—in the empty space where teeth were extracted.
• Prior to implant placement
• Injury or trauma to the mouth or facial areas
• Defects in development

How Dental Bone Grafts Work

This surgical procedure can be used to rebuild or repair bone. It works by implanting bone tissue in the area of bone loss. The tissue is then used by the body to generate new cells and recreate the bone in that location.

A small piece of bone is removed from another part of your jaw or body during the procedure. Artificial bone can also be used. Other bone graft tissues, such as those from a cow, can be obtained. Another option is to implant a bone graft made of phosphorous, calcium, and hydroxylapatite.

A “socket graft” is the most common type of bone graft. This procedure prevents the socket from collapsing and preserves the structure for implant placement. After the socket graft is finished, you will have to wait 4–6 months before the implant can be placed.

Preventing Bone Loss

Following the completion of your bone graft, it is critical that you follow the recovery instructions. Furthermore, to avoid future bone loss, you should be proactive in preventing gum disease.

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
• Take special care to clean gently around the gum lines.
• Floss your teeth at least once per day. 
• Check in with your dentist on a regular basis.

If you have any questions about the bone graft procedure, please contact our oral surgery office to make an appointment for a consultation.

We tend to overlook the temporomandibular joint’s function and purpose until it gives us reason to be concerned. If this important joint becomes injured or infected, it can lead to many problems with our ability to speak and chew properly. When you experience discomforts such as muscle pain or headaches when trying to open and close your mouth, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD.

Our oral surgery office understands the frustration of discomfort extending to the back and shoulders, so we use our extensive knowledge to treat the aches and pains associated with TMD.

Understanding temporomandibular disorders

In front of each ear, the temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. You may occasionally feel pain in your jaw area, or your dentist or doctor may have diagnosed you with TMD. The temporomandibular joint and chewing muscles are affected by TMD, which is not just a single disorder, but a group of painful conditions.

What Causes Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)?

There is no single cause for TMD. Almost anything that causes tension in the jaw and temporal muscles can lead to TMJ problems. Often, multiple factors contribute to the disorder. Injuries to the jaw, face, head, and neck are some of the most common causes of TMD pain.

Teeth grinding or jaw clenching: 

Bruxism occurs when you unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth. The condition affects some people while they are awake, generally due to stress or concentration, while other people experience it while sleeping. Because of the intense pressure being put on your teeth, your bite position can change over time. The result is jaw misalignment, which leads to other associated problems like TMD.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep apnea occurs when your airway collapses while you’re asleep, preventing you from breathing. To open the airway, the lower jaw will clamp down or thrust forward, causing additional stress that will result in TMJ discomfort.

Arthritis

Quite often, individuals with arthritis throughout the body will experience arthritis of the TMJ.

Stress

Stress is often regarded as a major cause of TMD, as it influences involuntary movements throughout the body, such as teeth clenching and grinding, and tension in the neck, head, and shoulders.

Symptoms and Signs

Since TMD consists of several complications, it may be accompanied by a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain, especially in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint.

Other symptoms may include:

• The jaw is locked or limited in movement.
• Pain that affects the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
• Opening and closing the mouth causes unpleasant popping, clicking, or rough sounds.
• A sudden change in the position of the upper and lower teeth
• Migraines and headaches
• Earaches
• Dizziness
• Hearing difficulties

Treatment of TMJ

Because TMD issues tend to be temporary and often do not get worse, simple treatment may be sufficient to relieve discomfort, including

• Physical therapy that focuses on stretching and relaxing muscles.
• The short-term use of muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory
• Night-guards
• Splints

Although conservative therapies are helpful for temporarily relieving pain and muscle spasms, they are not a “cure” for TMD. Surgery may be an option if other treatments are not sufficient, such as

• The injection of pain relievers with treatments such as BOTOX®
• A modified condylotomy procedure can be used to reduce or prevent jaw locking.
• Repositioning the TMJ disc with a procedure called a discectomy

TMD not only affects your day-to-day life but also your oral and overall health. TMD treatment restores normal jaw function and relieves joint stress so that you can return to your normal life.

Our oral surgery practice provides compassionate, innovative, and experienced treatment for TMD patients. If you would like more information about our TMD treatment options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.