Bone Graft 101: Everything You Need to Know
Dental Implants are an effective and long-term solution for missing teeth. But, here is the catch, you need to have sufficient jawbone for the implant surgery to be done.
When the teeth are extracted, they are not replaced immediately because the gums have to heal. However, leaving the gaps unfilled for a long will cause the bone to deteriorate.
The alveolar bone supports the teeth. But if there are no teeth, the bone begins to ‘melt’ and gets reabsorbed. The longer you stay with missing teeth, the faster the bone loss. Remember, dental implants need to fuse to the bone to offer maximum support. Fortunately, there is a solution—dental bone graft.
What is Bone Grafting?
A mouth bone graft surgery is a procedure done to stimulate new bone growth and prepare the jaw for the implant procedure. Our dentist in East York used bone tissue to repair and rebuild your natural bone.
The bone tissues used are obtained from different sources such as:
- The human body (Autograft). The dentist will harvest bone granules from your hips, legs, or chin. It is the common option because the bone is healthy and chances of rejection are minimal.
- Cadaver (Allograft). The bone tissues can also be extracted from a cadaver. The bone granules are first treated and sterilized to remove any bacteria and debris.
- Bone granules from animals such as cows are also an option
When Is Bone Graft Necessary?
Our dentist in Thorncliffe Dental will recommend a dental bone graft for different reasons such as:
- To save the teeth from destruction. Severe periodontal disease may cause bone loss and teeth loosen. The dentist will do a bone graft to regenerate the bone and increase support.
- Dental implants. A bone graft restores the natural teeth and offers support for the implants.
- Dental trauma because of bruxism. Tooth grinding and clenching cause the teeth to crack and also wears down the bone density.
How Do Bone Graft Work?
A bone graft’s primary purpose is to prevent the wasting of the alveolar bone. However, the dentist will also use bone grafting to increase the width of the jawbone to support the implant.
How is the Bone Grafting Procedure Done?
The mouth bone graft surgery only requires local anesthesia, although sedation may be used for patients with dental phobia. The dentist will make an incision to access the gum and fix the granules.
Several bone graft types available, and the type used will depend on the extent of the damage and the location of the lost tooth.
- Socket graft is the most common type and is usually done to preserve the alveolar bone. The dentist will place bone granules on the socket to prevent a collapse. It takes four to six months for new bone to grow.
- A lateral ridge preservation graft increases the width of the jawbone in preparation for the dental implant.
- A block graft is done if there are large defects in the jawbone. A small block of bone is extracted from the back of the jaw and placed on the affected area. The block is held in place by a titanium screw for five to six months until the new bone grows.
- A sinus lift is also an option if the patient needs an implant in the upper jaw
What Happens After the Bone Grafting Procedure?
There will be soreness, swelling, pain, and bleeding after the procedure. The dentist will prescribe pain relievers to ease the discomfort and antibiotics to prevent an infection.
Is The Bone Grafting Safe?
Yes, the procedure is safe and has minimal side effects. However, a few complications can arise such as infection, pain, and failure for the bone to regenerate.
Schedule an Appointment
Our dentist will first evaluate your dental structure to see if you need a bone graft or not. If you do, the necessary steps are taken to ensure the process is safe and effectively done. Visit the Throncliffe dental center for a dental assessment and a discussion of the dental implant and bone graft surgery.