It's a common misconception that bone is an unchanging, rigid material. In reality, bone undergoes continuous remodelling. Your body constantly deposits new bone cells while removing old ones. This remodelling process plays a crucial role in various scenarios. For instance, orthodontists utilise the jawbone's adaptability to reposition teeth effectively with braces.
However, when an adult loses a tooth, the subsequent bone changes can have significant implications.
Loss of teeth can result in gradual bone resorption, leading to changes in facial appearance and complicating tooth replacement.
Fortunately, modern bone grafting techniques offer a solution. This minor surgical procedure, commonly performed in a dental office, entails making a gum incision to access the bone and adding grafting material.
The material may come from your body, treated animal or human donor bone, or synthetic substances. Covered with a collagen membrane, the graft acts as a scaffold for your body to regenerate new bone. This strengthens the jaw, facilitates effective tooth replacement, and supports facial features