Surgical bone grafting is a dental procedure often used to prepare the jawbone for dental implants. It is a common procedure for those who have lost bone density in their jaw due to injury, disease, or tooth loss. A bone graft for dental implants provides a solid foundation for placing the implant in the jawbone.
A bone implant involves taking bone from another area of the body or using a synthetic bone substitute to rebuild the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
What is Dental Bone Graft?
People with weaker and less than normal jawbone density are often not eligible for implants. A dental bone graft can be a great solution for such people.
A dental bone graft procedure can add volume and mass to your jawbone, making it possible for you to have an implant. A bone graft is like a scaffolding that your dentist can surgically place in areas of low bone density. Once placed, your body does the repair work and builds new bone tissue around the graft, bolstering the strength of your weakened jawbone.
When is a Bone Graft Necessary for Dental Implants?
Some common reasons for needing a bone graft before a dental implant include the following-
- You are getting an implant long after your initial tooth loss
- You have lost significant jawbone density due to periodontal disease
- You are older or have lost bone density due to osteoporosis
- You have a history of tooth abscesses or severe root canal infections
Types of Bone Grafts
Depending on the bone graft material, grafts can be classified into the following types-
Autografts: The grafted bone comes from your own body, usually from the hip or shin
Allografts: The graft comes from a different person (or a corpse)
Xenografts: The graft bone comes from a different animal, like a cow or a pig
Alloplastic grafts: Synthetic materials such as Bioglass or hydroxyapatite can also be used as grafts.
The type of graft used depends on several factors, including age, medical history, and the amount of bone/graft required.
Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages
Dental bone grafts healing typically occurs in the following three stages-
The inflammatory stage lasts 3-7 days after the procedure, and the body’s immune system responds to the foreign material by initiating an inflammatory response. You can experience swelling and bone graft dental pain during this stage.
The proliferative stage lasts 2-6 weeks, new blood vessels begin to form, and the body begins to repair and rebuild the grafted area.
The remodeling stage can last up to several months; the body continues to remodel the grafted area, strengthening the new bone and soft tissue. The implant can be placed after this stage if the bone has healed properly.
Successful dental bone grafts can increase your eligibility for restorative dentistry procedures, including implants, to give you a happy and healthy smile.