You may have deficient bone in your jaw for a number of reasons, including advancing age, smoking, diabetes, poor health, and untreated infection. In addition, if you are missing one or more teeth, your body may begin to resorb bone from areas of tooth loss. This can create an unaesthetic gap and a poor foundation for restoration with dental implants.
Dr. Gocke and Dr. Whiting use bone grafting and growth factors to shore up areas of weakness in the jaw. Most frequently, they perform bone grafting as part of the dental implant process. They also uses the treatment for Northern Virginia patients after removing a cyst or tumor or in reconstructive oral surgeries.
Dr. Gocke leverages his training and experience as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to conduct bone grafting in a way that is gentle, accurate, and durable. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including 3-D CT scans, to determine the type of grafting a patient requires and to plan for each procedure in as much detail as possible.
Why Bone Grafting and Why Our Practice?
Bone grafts create a strong foundation for Northern Virginia patients who are receiving dental implants. In addition, when patients need a reconstructive procedure, grafts support the facial structure of cheeks and lips for more aesthetic outcomes.
Dr. Gocke spent years in advanced training at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, one of the top oral surgery programs in the country. His expertise in bone grafting promotes long-term, high-quality results for his patients. Beyond his technical skill, Dr. Gocke’s attentive and personal approach helps patients understand their treatment options and make the best decisions for their care. He and our entire team are focused on patient comfort before, during, and after bone grafting procedures.
An Overview of Bone Grafting With Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery
Your Consultation
Your general dentist may recommend bone grafting after reviewing your X-rays and recognizing areas of weakness in your jaw. Alternatively, Dr. Gocke may identify this need in the process of planning your dental implants, treating pathology, or preparing for a reconstructive surgery.
During your initial visit with our practice in Northern Virginia, Dr. Gocke will explain the bone grafting process. Most of these procedures are very straightforward, comfortable, and easy for patients. It’s generally a matter of putting the bone grafting material into the site where patients need it.
As part of the treatment, Dr. Gocke often uses platelet rich fibrin (PRF) to improve healing in the surgical site. This substance, derived from your own blood, has special regenerative qualities, such as reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Producing PRF is a process that Dr. Gocke performs in-office.
Many of the bone grafts that Dr. Gocke places are to prepare the foundation for dental implants. He will use different bone grafting techniques depending on where you need the implant. Most notably, restoring a tooth at the back of the jaw, near the sinus, requires a more advanced surgical approach.
Bone Grafting for Most Dental Implants
Dr. Gocke will place bone material into the cavity and then add a tissue membrane on top. This membrane will separate the gums from the bone tissue, keeping the bone in place. Typically, Northern Virginia patients experience minimal discomfort and swelling as a result of treatment.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Near the Sinuses
Your sinuses are empty cavities next to the back of your jaw. If you need to have a dental implant placed near a sinus cavity, Dr. Gocke may perform bone grafting in the sinus. This will allow the implant to anchor into solid bone.
Dr. Gocke applies two different approaches to sinus bone grafting:
- Following the prep site. Dr. Gocke will use specialized instruments to operate through the site where he will be placing the dental implant. He will push up the sinus floor to move it out of the way of the dental implant, and he may also add bone material in this space.
- Creating a window. This more invasive approach is sometimes necessary in complex cases. As part of the process, Dr. Gocke will make a small window in the upper jaw and add bone below the sinus membrane.
Regardless of the technique that Dr. Gocke uses, you can expect skillful, expert care and a collaborative, transparent approach to your treatment.
Your Aftercare Experience
You will come in for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Gocke about a week after bone grafting. Most patients need about three months for the new bone to integrate fully with their jaw. At that point, Dr. Gocke will again check your surgical site with 3-D CT scans.
If you are receiving bone grafts as part of treatment with dental implants, Dr. Gocke will evaluate whether the bone has strengthened enough to begin that process. At every stage, his top concerns are providing you with the best quality of care, comfort, and functionality.
Whether you are planning for dental implants or your dentist recommends bone grafting to strengthen the bone in your jaw, explore treatment with our practice. Northern Virginia patients can contact Dr. Gocke’s office at (703) 388-2805 or online for a consultation.
