Bone grafting is a procedure used to restore the jawbone for dental implant surgery. It helps to strengthen the jawbone and create a strong foundation for the implants. If you are considering dental implants for your missing teeth, it’s important to understand how bone grafting works and what you need to know before undergoing this procedure.
Overview Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting and cost-effective solution to replace missing teeth. They are placed directly into the jaw bone and act as substitutes for natural tooth roots. Dental implants can replace one, multiple, or all teeth. Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants are permanent, require minimal maintenance, and offer greater comfort than other solutions. Plus, dental implants have the added benefit of helping to preserve existing healthy jawbone structures by preventing further resorption of bone tissue. Implants also improve speech and chewing capabilities compared to traditional prosthetics due to their natural feel.
Who Needs A Bone Graft Before Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a reliable and safe procedure for replacing lost teeth.
If a patient has suffered from jawbone deterioration due to missing teeth or periodontal disease, they may need to undergo a dental bone graft procedure before receiving dental implants.
During this treatment, healthy bone is taken from another part of their body (or occasionally an artificial source) and used to build up their jawbone enough before placing the implant.
What Are The Types Of Bone Grafts?
Bone grafts are classified according to the type of bone donor into four main categories:
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Autograft
It is a bone grafting method where the patient’s own body serves as the donor. The most common type of autograft is a hip bone graft, in which bone is taken from the hip and transplanted to the knee.
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Allograft
An allograft is a bone graft procedure in which bone is taken from a donor and transplanted into the patient. The most common type of allograft is a cadaveric allograft, in which bone is taken from a cadaver (a deceased person).
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Synthetic Graft
It is an innovative solution for restoring damaged or missing bones. Crafted from advanced materials like hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate, these artificial bones seamlessly integrate into the body, facilitating a remarkable recovery.
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Xenograft
It is a great bone grafting technique that uses animal-derived bone, primarily from pigs, to pave the way for seamless transplants in humans.
What Are The Different Types Of Bone Graft Procedures?
There main four bone grafting procedures for dental implants include:
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Socket Preservation
This bone grafting technique uses tooth extraction to secure a stable foundation for future dental implants. Carefully inserting a bone graft material into the vacant socket sets the stage for seamless healing and prepares you for a brilliant, implant-supported beam.
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Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is a cutting-edge bone grafting technique designed to reconstruct jawbones impacted by periodontal disease or tooth loss. This transformative procedure lays the groundwork for dental implants and enhances your smile’s aesthetics.
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Sinus lift
This remarkable bone grafting technique comes to the rescue when your upper jaw lacks the necessary bone height for dental implants. By skillfully raising the sinus floor and expanding the area, the surgeon creates the perfect foundation for an ideal set of new teeth. Just a small incision in the gum tissue, a gentle lift of the sinus membrane, and some expertly placed bone graft material, and in a few months, you’ll be ready to place your dental implants!
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Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
GTR is a remarkable bone grafting technique designed to address substantial bone loss caused by periodontal disease or tooth loss. GTR’s primary objective is to rejuvenate vanished bone and gum tissue, paving the way for successful dental implant placement. The intricate process entails positioning a barrier upon the affected bone loss region, followed by inserting bone graft material underneath. A crucial prerequisite for dental implants, GTR requires a healing period of several months to ensure optimal results.
What Happens During a Bone Grafting Procedure?
2. Once the area is prepared, the surgeon introduces the bone graft material, carefully selected to suit the particular procedure being executed.
3. With the bone graft material positioned, the surgeon employs screws, plates, or innovative devices to secure it, guaranteeing the perfect alignment for a seamless result.
4. After ensuring the bone graft is properly secured, the surgeon will close your incision with stitches or staples and begin the healing process towards stable and healthy bone tissue.
How Long Does It Take For The Bone Graft To Heal Before Dental Implants?
Healing time around dental implants is highly variable and depends on the type of procedure. On average, this procedure can take three to nine months to fully recover before implants can be placed. Factors influencing healing time include the type of graft material used and an individual’s health status. During this healing period, patients should undergo regular monitoring and checkups with their dentist to ensure everything is progressing according to plan. Read more here.
Is There Any Risk Of A Bone Graft Procedure?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, but the risks of this procedure are rare and are outweighed by the potential benefits. Commonly reported risks with bone grafts include infection, nerve injury, and delayed healing or even failure of the grafted material to integrate properly into the existing bone structure. However, these risks are greatly minimised with proper technique and experienced surgeons.
Get Your Procedure Done With Us
At Available Dental Care Clinic, we understand that preparing for a dental implant can be daunting, especially if a bone graft procedure needs to be done first. We want to ensure the people of Campbelltown have access to world-class dental care and are delighted that we can now offer this type of procedure here.
Our experienced doctors will ensure all surgeries are done safely and efficiently, with individualised attention paid to each patient. If you’re located in Campbelltown and need a bone graft before a dental implant, don’t hesitate to contact Available Dental Care Clinic today, call us now at (02) 4601 3828.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Dental Bone Graft
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
What You Need To Know About A Dental Bone Graft
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bone-graft
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
