There are popular dental procedures like fillings, bridges, and tooth extractions, and there are lesser-known procedures. An allograft is something we noticed many of our patients here at Designer Smiles FL in Coral Springs, FL, are unfamiliar with. Our goal is to inform our patients about all the latest in the world of dentistry, and procedures recommended for them.
Although allograft transplants for bone are considered relatively new, we’re familiar with them here at Designer Smiles FL. Our dentists have the training and experience to perform these procedures with efficiency and success.
What are Allografts?
An allograft is a bone graft that is transplanted from one person to another. Allografts are extracted from human cadavers. We realize this might sound scary, but the process is highly and strictly regulated by the FDA and the American Association of Tissue Banks. Rest assured that any transplant you receive will always be properly screened.
Those who have significant dental inflammation and tooth loss might also have bone loss. If a person has bone loss in their jawbone, an implant to replace a missing tooth won’t work. Implants need strong and healthy bones to attach to. To replace lost or destroyed bone, we use allografts.
The procedure takes less than an hour and is performed under local anesthesia, so you don’t experience any pain. You can expect the soft tissue to heal in about a month, but it’ll take up to 6 months for the bone to regenerate. Once regeneration happens, you’ll be ready to receive the implant.
Instructions for Aftercare
The few days and weeks after the procedure are critical for its success. You’ll need to take all the meds we ask you to in the right doses and schedule. Spitting, drinking through a straw, and rinsing your mouth will be prohibited during the first 24 hours.
An ice bag should be applied over the skin to minimize swelling. You should brush your teeth while avoiding the transplant area. We’ll see you a few days later for a follow-up appointment and will give you more instructions at that time. If you have any questions before or after the procedure, just give us a call or book an appointment with us.