If your dentist has recommended you have a grafting procedure done, you may have several questions about it, including "What exactly is a graft?" or "Why do I need this done?" Dr. Charles Scholler and Dr. Daniel Cronk, dentists serving Camarillo, California, have the answers to your questions about grafting.

Skin graft

This involves the grafting of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another. The palate, or roof of the mouth, is most often used as the donor site, although material from a tissue bank or proteins to stimulate the growth of tissue can also be used. Gum grafting is commonly used to combat the effects of severe gum recession; when the gums have significantly receded away from the teeth, sensitivity and even tooth loss can occur. By rebuilding the gum surface, your Camarillo dentists can help improve your overall oral health.

Bone graft

If your jawbone has receded due to tooth loss, decay or trauma, a bone graft may be necessary, especially when further restorative treatments, like dental implants, are needed. The location of the donor site will depend on the density of your bones in a particular area. Some patients have grafts from the bones in their chin; others may benefit from the use of a portion of the hip bone, which contains marrow that promotes the fusing that bone grafts need to be successful. Like gum grafting, there are also proteins that promote the growth of bone from other cells, as well as donor banks that use bone from cadavers or cows for the graft.

Basic surgical information

Both gum and bone grafting are considered dental surgery, with bone grafting being more in-depth. They will require the use of anesthesia that will make it necessary for someone to drive you home after your procedure. Your Camarillo dentist will provide you with antibiotics, pain management medication and specific instructions for aftercare. These instructions will include how to clean the surgery site and foods you should avoid during the healing period. For gum grafts, patients can expect healing to take one to two weeks. For bone grafts, it will take about a month, although it will take several more months before the graft is "set" for further restorations.

For more information about gum or bone grafts, contact the dental office of Dr. Charles Scholler and Dr. Daniel Cronk in Camarillo, California today!