/sc-assets/prd/practices/e139288e-9f3a-457f-a85f-a3527eaed581/AdobeStock_193307850.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2495705.jpg)
Bone grafting can be extremely helpful if you’ve lost teeth and, as a result, lost bone density in your jaw. The procedure may seem complicated, but it’s become easier with the help of the S.M.A.R.T.™ bone grafting technique.
S.M.A.R.T. stands for “subperiosteal minimally invasive aesthetic ridge augmentation technique,” and while there are many advantages to the traditional method of bone grafting, the S.M.A.R.T. procedure offers benefits you can’t get from traditional bone grafts.
At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, our founder, Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, and our other board-certified providers received extensive training in the technique and are among the few individuals qualified to offer S.M.A.R.T. bone grafting.
It’s one of the reasons why we believe so strongly in this incredible, cutting-edge technology.
S.M.A.R.T. grafting 101
First, you might be wondering why bone grafting is so important. When you lose a tooth, it’s common for the jawbone to erode, leaving inadequate bone density for implant placement.
Missing teeth can cause a host of other problems, so when this issue precludes the placement of an implant, bone grafting is often necessary.
The traditional type of bone grafting involves an incision and the placement of multiple materials that require a lengthy fusion time. But with S.M.A.R.T. grafting, many of the more complicated aspects of the procedure — such as multiple incisions and a long recovery — are streamlined.
S.M.A.R.T. grafting requires only one incision through which we distribute a mixture of bone graft material and growth factor into the eroded area of your jaw. This also allows for the more effective and focused delivery of the material, and it minimizes the chance of side effects.
Benefits of S.M.A.R.T. bone grafting
Bone grafting in general helps restore bone density, strengthen oral health, and increase the viability of an implant. But if you’re trying to choose between this procedure and traditional bone grafting, here’s why we recommend S.M.A.R.T.
Faster recovery
Bone grafting can sometimes take as long as several months, and this is true of both the traditional and S.M.A.R.T. techniques. But while most patients recover in a few weeks from the former, the latter can sometimes require only a few days of downtime. This means you’ll have the chance to get back to your daily routine faster.
Less pain and discomfort
Many of our patients are concerned that the recovery from bone grafting can be unpleasant. But with S.M.A.R.T. bone grafting, you experience less severe pain during your recovery. In our experience, S.M.A.R.T. bone grafting has provided more patient satisfaction.
Better long-term results
A recent study found 21 patients with a total of 60 bone graft sites had fewer complications than those who used traditional bone grafting.
When compared with the traditional procedure, which can cause higher rates of scarring, infection, and swelling, the S.M.A.R.T. technique is more likely to provide you with better long-term results as well as a generally safer recovery.
S.M.A.R.T. bone grafting works
We believe whole-heartedly in the big benefits of the S.M.A.R.T. technique, as well as in the importance of bone grafting in general for long-term, effective oral health.
If you want to learn more about the procedure and find out if you’re a good candidate, call us today at our Campbell, California, office.