"Depending upon the length of time a tooth has been missing, the ridge or jaw bone needed to house the dental implant is often smaller than necessary. In this instance, “ridge grafting” is required to return the jaw bone to adequate size. This ridge grafting may be performed in a separate procedure prior to implant placement, or on occasion performed at the same appointment when the implant is placed."
—Dr. Quint
The bone material utilized is extremely safe to use being certified by the AATB, American Association of Tissue Banks, and harvested from human or bovine(cow) donors. This graft material is either de-mineralized bone, or mineralized bone chips that have been sterilized to remove the risk of cross contamination. At Indianapolis Dentistry, Dr. Quint will typically collect a few vials of blood from each patient and process this to concentrate the healing properties of your own platelets to be re-administered at the surgery site. This process of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is routine, cost effective, and very effective to promote all implant, grafting, and periodontal procedures.
Periodontal surgery procedures can restore some coverage and dramatically improve a patient’s smile. This will also reduce further bone loss and recession, make the tooth less sensitive, protect the root from cavities, and look more natural when you smile.
"While bone grafts are mostly used to restore health or to support a dental implant, tissue grafting procedures can be performed not only to control disease, but to provide a cosmetic benefit. Some patients may look older than their years because their teeth appear to be too long. Soft tissue graft procedures can cover exposed roots and make the teeth look much younger, improving appearance. However, gum tissue can also recede due to periodontal disease, which can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. "
—Dr. Quint