Frequently Asked Questions
A periodontist is a dentist who completes specialized training and additional 3 years of education after dental school. Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. Choosing a specialist for your oral health needs ensures that you receive the high-quality care that you deserve.
The length of time required to perform a bone graft can vary depending on several factors. Where the graft is taking place, the size of the graft, and the type of material used can all impact the duration of your procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide you with a thorough explanation of the treatment, and give you information about what to expect on the day of the procedure and how to properly prepare for it.
The cost of oral surgery varies from procedure to procedure based on the complexity of the surgery and the materials used. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover your oral surgery, ask about financing options so you can create a payment plan that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Bone grafts may be covered in part by your insurance provider depending on your particular plan and scope of coverage. Talk to your dental insurance providers about your benefits to find out if your recommended oral surgery will be covered.
There are three main types of bone grafts: allografts, autografts, and synthetic bone grafts.
Allografts utilize tissue from a donor to replace missing bone. Certain measures are taken to ensure successful osseointegration. These are the most common material used for bone grafting in our practice.
A xenograft is a type of bone graft that comes from an animal donor, most commonly from a bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) source. Bovine bone is very commonly used in sinus grafting as it provides very good dimensional stability over time.
There are a wide range of biocompatible materials that can be used in place of donor tissue. Synthetic bone grafts offer a degree of flexibility when it comes to treatment, and is the best option for certain patients.