Grafted Bone Can Function Like Natural Bone Tissue
Help Replace Missing Teeth
Using a biocompatible grafting material or tissue from another part of your body, bone grafting can create a stable foundation for dental implants, allowing you to repair your smile.
Protect Your Smile after an Extraction
After removing a tooth, the jawbone can deteriorate. By packing the tooth socket with grafting material, a bone graft can prevent tissue loss.
High Success Rate
Studies have shown that dental implants placed in grafted tissue have similar success rates to implants placed in natural bone.
Let's take a look at the grafting process...
Do bone grafts really work?
Everyone Should Have Access to Dental Implants
*According to ORAL & Implantology.
Dental implants placed in grafted bone tissue have shown outstanding success rates, similar to those of implants placed in natural bone.
Why do I need a graft?
A Bone Graft Can Address a Variety of Issues
Bone Loss Due to Gum Disease
Loose Teeth
Developmental Defects
Face Injury or Trauma
Bone Grafts Are Most Commonly Used to Restore Candidacy for Implants
One of the roles of tooth roots is to stimulate the jaw, which signals that nutrients are needed in the area. When you lose a tooth, your brain reroutes essential nutrients away from that area of the jaw.
The longer a tooth is missing, the more likely it is that the jaw will begin to atrophy. Over time, this tissue loss can affect the stability of other teeth, cause further tooth loss, and give your face a sunken, aged appearance.
After a certain point, the jaw loses so much tissue that placing implants is no longer an option without first performing a dental bone graft.
How do I know if I qualify for a bone graft?
Candidates for a Graft Are in Good Oral and Overall Health
Jawbone Tissue Loss
There are several types of dental bone grafts which address different degrees of bone loss. The area where you have experienced atrophy and the amount of tissue you need to replace will determine which graft you are a candidate for.
Good Dental Health
In general, it is a good idea to address other oral health issues, such as gum disease, before undergoing a grafting procedure.
Stable Overall Health
Medical concerns, such as autoimmune disorders, may limit your ability to heal after surgery and can interfere with your candidacy for a graft.
Restoring lost bone tissue in a single surgery? That sounds kind of painful.
Modern Techniques Make Bone Grafting Relatively Painless
Thanks to careful planning and minimally invasive techniques, bone grafting is predictable and results in minimal discomfort. In addition to local anesthetic, which numbs the treatment area, your dentist may be able to provide sedation. Options such as nitrous oxide, oral medication, and intravenous sedation are safe and reliable.
How does bone grafting prepare you for an implant?
I've heard that healing takes a long time...
Advanced Techniques Can Speed the Healing Process
More and more doctors are integrating platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into their grafting procedures. Your doctor can create PRF and PRP by separating healing factors from your blood by spinning it in a device called a centrifuge. Then they can apply PRP or PRF to your surgical site and speed up the healing process.
What happens during a bone graft?
While the Procedure Varies, a Typical Graft Involves Several Steps
The exact nature of your grafting procedure will depend on the type of graft you need. For example, sinus lifts are more complicated than a simple ridge augmentation procedure. However, there are several common steps which typically occur during a dental bone graft.
“ Thanks to careful planning and minimally invasive techniques, bone grafting is predictable and results in minimal discomfort. ”
“ Thanks to careful planning and minimally invasive techniques, bone grafting is predictable and results in minimal discomfort. ”
Planning
Your dentist will conduct imaging to assess the quality and quantity of your bone tissue and decide where the bone grafts are needed.
Preparation
You will receive local anesthesia and any requested sedation. Then your doctor will create an incision in your gums.
Graft Placement
Your doctor will carefully place the synthetic grafting material or autologous bone tissue in the recessed jawbone.
Sutures
Your dentist will close the surgery site with sutures.
Recovery
Dental bone grafts are outpatient procedures, so you will be able to return home soon after your surgery to recovery.
So what is recovery like?
Discomfort and Swelling Is Common, But Shouldn't Last Long
You may experience some discomfort after your bone grafting procedure. You can manage pain using over-the-counter or prescription medications. Swelling and bruising are normal side effects for the first few days.
During the healing process, you should:
- Avoid salty, crunchy, and spicy foods
- Stick with a soft diet for at least the first 24 hours
- Follow all of your doctor's instructions
- Take medication as prescribed
You can reduce swelling during recovery by keeping your head elevated and using icepacks or warm heat. Most doctors recommend getting a lot of rest for the first three days.
Bone grafting is safe and effective, with long-lasting results.
Our Patient Results
Before
This patient had bone loss due to missing teeth.
After
A graft and a set of dentures restored their smile.
It Takes at Least Three Months for a Graft to Stabilize Completely
For most patients, it takes three to six months for the grafted tissue to fuse with the jawbone. For sinus lifts, the recovery period is typically longer, taking about six to nine months.
Once your graft has integrated with your jawbone, you should experience increased stability. If you need implants, your doctor can schedule an appointment to place them as soon as your graft has healed completely.
I'm not sure I understand what a graft does...
Your Body Uses Grafted Tissue as a Scaffold to Rebuild Itself
"Bone grafting is possible because bone tissue has the ability to regenerate completely if provided the space into which it has to grow. As natural bone grows, it generally replaces the graft material completely, resulting in a fully integrated region of new bone."
Is a bone graft my only option?
Some Patients May Choose an Alternative Type of Implant
If you want to enjoy the benefits of dental implants without undergoing bone grafting, ask your dentist if they offer All-on-4® or mini implants. These treatments often do not require preparatory procedures such as bone grafting.
I want to learn more...
Schedule a Consultation Today
Bone grafting is simple, predictable, and boasts high success rates. Your dentist can help you determine whether a dental bone graft is right for you. Make an appointment today to find out more about this procedure.
“Maintaining your oral health can help you improve your overall health and enhance your quality of life.” Dr. Edward J. Zuckerberg
“Maintaining your oral health can help you improve your overall health and enhance your quality of life.” Dr. Edward J. Zuckerberg
