Gum and Bone Grafting

We rarely notice how much we use our jawbone, even though it is used daily to talk, eat, laugh, and sing. If the health of our jawbone begins to deteriorate, tooth loss and facial deformity could happen. The most common root cause of problems with jawbone health is tooth loss and periodontal disease, but trauma, misalignment, tumors, and developmental deformities can all play a part.

When looking at gum recession and bone loss, Dr. Tokunaga focuses on tooth loss and signs of periodontal disease. These root problems can interfere with dental implants and overall dental health while worsening issues with the jawbone.

Periodontitis

The bacteria present in periodontitis infects the gums and destroys the jawbone material and the ligaments that connect the teeth to the bone. This disease can also lead to gum recession, allowing bacteria to spread the infection to your supporting bone tissue. 

While a gum graft isn’t the first course of action, if you have receding gums or missing teeth or have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, your doctor may recommend gum or bone grafting to protect your jawbone and restore your oral health. A gum graft can restore connective tissue and gum tissue surrounding the teeth. A bone graft would be recommended to restore facial balance or support dental implants.

If you are looking for a passionate and experienced dentist to treat your periodontal disease, Dr. Tokunaga of Arlington Heights, IL, is ready to discuss your treatment options. Give us a call today to schedule your initial exam.