Additional menu

(253) 761-5422
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Petrie Advanced Dental

Click to Call Our Office
Call
Click to Text Our Office
Text
Click to Email Our Office
Email
Click to See Our Address
Address
Click to Book An Appointment
Schedule

Bone and Gum Grafting for Gum Disease in Tacoma, WA

Restoring Your Oral Health and Confidence Through Advanced Treatment

Gum disease can take a toll on your oral health, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Thankfully, advanced dental procedures like bone and gum grafting can help restore the health and function of your smile. At our Tacoma, WA, dental office, we specialize in offering personalized solutions to combat gum disease and its effects.

Contact us today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your consultation with our Tacoma dentist and take the first step toward a healthier smile.

doctors starting procedure

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces lost or damaged bone tissue in your jaw, often caused by advanced gum disease or tooth loss. This process uses bone graft material, which can be sourced from your body (autograft), a donor (allograft bone), or synthetic alternatives (synthetic bone graft).

Bone grafts serve to:

  • Restore skeletal integrity and jaw stability.
  • Prepare the jaw for dental implants.
  • Stimulate new bone growth using vital osteoblasts and growth factors.

How It Works:

  • Harvesting the Material: The graft can come from your own bone (e.g., iliac crest, anterior mandibular ramus) or a tissue bank.
  • Preparation: The affected area is prepared to receive the graft by clearing damaged tissue and shaping the site.
  • Placement: The graft material is carefully placed and secured, serving as a scaffold for bone development.
  • Healing: Over time, the graft integrates with your native bone, promoting regeneration and strength.

What Is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting treats gum recession by replacing lost gum tissue with connective tissue grafts or free gingival grafts. It protects exposed tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and enhances the appearance of your smile.

Gum Grafting Steps:

  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia ensures a comfortable experience.
  • Tissue Selection: The graft may come from your mouth (autologous grafts), a donor, or synthetic materials.
  • Placement: The gum tissue graft is placed over the affected area and secured.
  • Healing: The graft integrates with your gum tissue, supported by accompanying blood vessels and the periosteum for proper nutrient supply.

Benefits of Bone and Gum Grafting

Investing in bone and gum grafting offers long-term benefits:

  • Improved Oral Health: Reduce the risk of further bone loss, gum disease, and tooth decay.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics: Cover exposed roots and restore your gum line, giving you a more confident smile.
  • Tooth Stability: Strengthen the support for teeth or dental implants.
  • Better Functionality: Improve chewing and speaking ability.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Proper care ensures graft success for many years.

dentist doing a dental checkup

Bone and Gum Grafting Procedures

Bone Grafting Surgery

Bone grafting requires precise planning to ensure successful bone healing:

  • Graft Material Options: Autografts, allografts, or synthetic substitutes like bone graft substitutes.
  • Healing Process: Blood vessels grow into the graft, supporting new bone formation. The graft eventually becomes part of your natural bone.

Gum Grafting Surgery

Performed by a skilled periodontist or oral surgeon, gum grafting addresses gum recession:

  • Custom Treatment: Tissue is carefully positioned and sutured for optimal integration.
  • Postoperative Care: Patients are advised to eat soft foods, avoid strenuous activity, and maintain gentle oral hygiene.

Costs of Bone and Gum Grafting in Tacoma, WA

The cost of treatment depends on factors such as the type of graft and the procedure’s complexity:

  • Bone Grafting: $200 to $3,000 per graft site.
  • Gum Grafting: $600 to $1,200 per site.

Insurance may cover part of the costs, especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Contact your provider to confirm coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grafting painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the bone or gum grafting procedure, thanks to local anesthesia. Postoperative pain is manageable with prescribed medications.

How long does bone and gum grafting recovery take?

Recovery varies by the extent of the bone or gum grafting procedure but generally takes several weeks to months for complete integration and healing.

Are there bone and gum grafting risks involved?

As with any surgical procedure, there’s a slight risk associated with a bone or gum graft. Such risks include infection, swelling, or graft rejection. Working with an experienced dentist minimizes these risks.

Can grafting restore bone for dental implants?

Yes, bone grafting often prepares the jaw for dental implants, ensuring they have a stable foundation.

Restore Your Oral Health Today

Don’t let gum disease or bone loss compromise your oral health or confidence. At our Tacoma dental office, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier smile through advanced techniques like bone and gum grafting.

Call our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.