Bone grafting is a surgical procedure done to replace missing bone, usually after an extraction to allow the site to become capable of supporting a dental implant.
Grafting, also known as the transplant of bone tissue, is beneficial in restoring damaged bones and teeth caused by trauma. Grafting is also essential in the growth of bone around an implanted piece of bone. The bone graft helps fill the affected areas to ascertain structural stability as a new bone.
When Do You Need a Dental Bone Graft?
In most cases, due to gum disease or if you’ve lost your adult tooth, there is a high probability that graft is needed. Without one of your adult teeth, the bone around your teeth begins to fade or resorb away. This bone resorption is also accelerated by gum disease.
Bone grafting keeps your facial structure intact hence restoring your appearance. It’s an effective way to guarantee new bone growth. Grafting increases the likelihood of the replaced teeth staying intact.
When Should You Consider Graft Bone
When you do not have a sufficient amount of healthy bone in your mouth, you might require a grafting technique to support your dental implants. The deficiency of natural bone tissue can be caused by:
- Development defects
- Face injury or trauma
- Gum disease
- Space after teeth removal
Many individuals can benefit from bone grafting before placing a dental implant.
How Bone Grafts Work
There are various types of bone grafts and each serves a specific purpose. Grafts are used based on the intensity of the damage you are suffering from. Types of Grafts also depend on the location of your tooth loss.
A socket graft is the most common procedure, which helps prevent the atrophy of the alveolar bone before it emerges. Bone from a cadaver donor is placed right into the socket to keep it from collapsing. 4 to 6 months after the socket graft, you will be ready for implant surgery.
Lateral ridge graft is effective in increasing the width of the jawbone to fit a dental implant. In this procedure, human donors are typically used.
The block bone graft is essential during large defects in the jawbone. In this procedure, a small block of bone is harvested from the back of the jaw. The block is later placed into the defect, as it is held in place with the help of titanium screws. Just like the lateral ridge preservation graft, the healing process takes from 4 to 6 months.
A sinus lift is a final procedure. If you have lost some of the molars on your upper jaw, this bone graft is essential. Some portion of the sinus begins to reach downward, covering the space left by the teeth. While fixing the gap with a bone graft, the sinus lift restores the sinus to normal.
Various specialists may be involved during the process of dental implants, including an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, or occasionally an ENT specialist. An intense evaluation should be done before any surgical procedures which include:
- Comprehensive dental examination. Dental X-rays and 3D images will be taken to help design models of your teeth and jaw.
- Medical history review. Any medical condition you have should be known by your doctor before any procedure. Your doctor should know if you are taking any medications or prescriptions, and if you use over the counter drugs and supplements. Antibiotics may be provided before surgery if you have any heart conditions to prevent infection.
- Treatment plan. Once your condition is taken into account, you are now ready to schedule your treatment plan with the help of your doctor.
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