What is a Dental Bone Graft?

First off, a dental bone graft is a procedure used to enhance or rebuild the bone in your jaw. When you lose a tooth or have periodontal disease, the bone around the missing tooth can start to deteriorate. A bone graft adds bone or bone-like materials to that area to promote bone growth and provide a solid foundation for dental implants or other treatments.

Reasons for Needing a Dental Bone Graft

-Tooth Loss: Losing a tooth can lead to loss of bone mass in your jaw. Your jawbone needs the stimulation it gets when your teeth touch to maintain its form and density. Without a tooth in place, the bone area begins to atrophy or shrink. A bone graft can help rebuild this bone if you’re considering a dental implant for tooth replacement.

-Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease can also lead to the deterioration of the bone in your jaw. This disease damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss. A bone graft may be necessary to repair and regenerate the lost bone and support the remaining teeth.

-Dental Implants: For a dental implant to be successful, there must be sufficient bone to anchor the implant. If there’s not enough bone, a bone graft can provide the necessary support. This is often the case when teeth have been missing for some time, and bone resorption has occurred.

-To Preserve Tooth Extraction Sites: Sometimes, a dentist will recommend a bone graft immediately after tooth extraction to preserve the bone in that area. This proactive approach can help maintain the bone structure, making future dental implants easier and more successful.

Types of Bone Graft Materials

Bone grafts can be made from different materials, including:

• Autograft: Bone taken from your own body, usually from another area in your jaw or elsewhere.
• Allograft: Bone sourced from a human donor.
• Xenograft: Bone from another species, typically bovine (cow).
• Alloplastic grafts: Synthetic materials that encourage bone growth.

What to Expect During a Bone Graft Procedure

The procedure typically involves the dentist making an incision in your gum to expose the bone beneath. Then, the graft material is added to the needed areas. Over time, your body will replace the graft material with its own bone, restoring the jawbone’s strength and stability.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from a bone graft can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Generally, patients can expect some soreness and swelling, which can be managed with pain relief medications and ice packs. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure the best healing and outcome.

Final Thoughts

A dental bone graft is a foundation-building procedure that sets the stage for further dental work, ensuring your jawbone is strong and healthy enough to support implants or other treatments. While the idea of a bone graft might seem daunting, it’s a common and safe procedure that plays a crucial role in dental restoration and health. If you’re facing the possibility of a bone graft, understanding why it’s needed and what to expect can help ease any concerns and prepare you for a successful dental journey.

Contact Us

If you think you may need a bone graft or need a second opinion as to why you would need a bone graft, we welcome you call us to set up your consultation! Contact Fundamental Dental today to schedule a consultation at (972) 360-0096 or info@fundental.com. Let us help you navigate your insurance benefits and find the best path to a beautiful, healthy smile

The post Understanding Dental Bone Grafts: Why Might You Need One? first appeared on Fundamental Dental.

General Dentists: Your Go-To for Basic Root Canal Treatments

For many patients, the journey to a root canal starts with their general dentist. General dentists are well-equipped to perform root canal treatments, especially for cases that are straightforward and involve teeth that are easier to access, like your front teeth. The process involves removing the infected or damaged pulp inside your tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the inner chambers, and then filling and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.

General dentists handle a wide variety of dental treatments daily, including root canals. They’re skilled in ensuring that the procedure is as comfortable and pain-free as possible, using sedation dentistry, via local anesthesia to numb the area effectively.

Endodontists: The Root Canal Specialists

For more complex cases, such as those involving molars with multiple roots or teeth with complicated root structures, you might be referred to an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who’ve undergone additional training specifically focused on treating the inside of the tooth. This specialization includes performing root canals and dealing with diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Endodontists are experts in managing pain and can navigate the intricate anatomy of tooth roots with precision. They have access to specialized equipment, like microscopes and advanced imaging techniques, that allow them to see the tiniest details inside your tooth and ensure the treatment is thorough and successful.

Making the Right Choice for Your Dental Health

The decision on whether to see a general dentist or an endodontist for a root canal often depends on the complexity of your dental issue and the recommendation of your dentist. If your case is straightforward, your general dentist can likely provide the care you need. However, if your situation is more complex or if you’re experiencing severe pain, seeing an endodontist might be the best route to ensure you get the specialized care required for the best outcome.

Final Thoughts

Understanding who performs root canals can alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the procedure. Whether your treatment is carried out by a general dentist or an endodontist, what’s most important is addressing the issue promptly to relieve pain and save your tooth. With modern techniques and anesthesia, root canal treatments have become more comfortable and effective, allowing you to get back to your life with a healthy smile. Remember, preserving your natural teeth is always the goal, and root canal therapy is a vital tool in achieving that.

We Can Help

Do you have a tooth that has extreme sensitivity or even an infection? Are you worried if your tooth can still be saved with a root canal or needs to be extracted? Contact Fundamental Dental today to schedule a consultation at (972) 360-0096 or at info@fundental.com. Let us help you navigate your insurance benefits and find the best path to a beautiful, healthy smile!

The post Unraveling the Mystery: Who Performs Root Canals? first appeared on Fundamental Dental.

Step 1: Diagnosis and X-Rays

First things first, your dentist needs to confirm that you have a cavity. This is usually done during a regular check-up where they visually examine your teeth and may use a small probe to check for soft spots. Often, they’ll also take X-rays to see the extent of the decay, especially if it’s not visible to the naked eye.

Step 2: Numbing the Area

To keep you comfortable during the procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth. This usually involves applying a gel to the gum before injecting a local anesthetic. Within a few minutes, the area will feel numb, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the process.

Step 3: Removing the Decay

Once the area is numb, your dentist uses a drill (or sometimes a laser) to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This might sound intense, but you shouldn’t feel anything more than a slight vibration or pressure. The goal here is to clear out all the decay to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Step 4: Cleaning the Tooth

After all the decay is removed, your dentist will clean the area to prepare it for the filling. This step ensures that no bacteria or debris is left behind that could cause problems down the line.

Step 5: Filling the Tooth

With the tooth cleaned and prepped, it’s time to fill the hole where the decay was. Fillings can be made from various materials, including composite resin (which matches the color of your teeth), amalgam (a durable silver-colored material), gold, or porcelain. Your dentist will fill the cavity and shape the filling to match the contours of your tooth, restoring its original shape and function.

Step 6: Polishing and Adjustments

Finally, your dentist will polish the filling and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural. This might involve you biting down on a piece of colored paper to mark where your teeth meet, allowing the dentist to fine-tune the filling’s shape.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

While fixing cavities is relatively straightforward, preventing them is even better. Good oral hygiene practices—like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups—can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities. If symptoms arise please see our instructional videos on what to expect after you receive your dental filling and we can help resolve them in as little as one appointment!

The Takeaway

Fixing a cavity is a routine and crucial process for maintaining oral health and preventing further issues. If your dentist says you have a cavity, there’s no need to worry. With modern dental techniques, getting a cavity filled is a quick and comfortable  experience. And remember, the best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them from happening in the first place, so keep up with your oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

We Can Help

If you believe that you have a cavity and or hole in your tooth, call us immediately! DO NOT WAIT until there are symptoms of pain, because often it may be too late to fix with just a simple filling once pain starts. We ask our patients to come in even if they feel the slightest sensitivity to hot and cold or sweets that have occurred more than two or three times in the same area. Contact Fundamental Dental today to schedule a consultation at (972) 360-0096 or contact us at info@fundental.com. We are also happy to help you navigate your insurance benefits so you can keep your smile a beautiful, healthy and strong!

The post A Simple Guide to How Dentists Fix Cavities first appeared on Fundamental Dental.