Why Do You Need A Dental Bone Graft?

What is a dental bone graft?

In regions where bone loss has occurred, dental bone graft provides volume and density to the jaw. The bone graft material might come from one’s own body (autogenous) or a human tissue repository (allograft) or an animal tissue repository (xenograft). The bone transplant material used in some cases may be synthetic (alloplastic).

Why do I need bone grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure that is necessary when a patient lacks sufficient healthy natural jaw bone to support dental implants. Natural bone insufficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to defects in development, gum disease is a condition that affects the gums, trauma to the face, or an empty space after teeth removal. 

There are three types of dental grafts

• Block bone dental graft: In block bone, dental graft fragments of the jawbone will be extracted from the area near the wisdom tooth. If you have a severe bone loss that has to be treated, this is a wonderful alternative.
• Socket dental graft: It is a bone grafting technique in which the tooth socket in the jawbone is filled with bone fragments, either immediately after the tooth is extracted to prepare it for a future dental implant or in conjunction with immediate implant placement that same day. 
• Sinus Graft: This bone graft is beneficial if the patient lost some of the upper jaw molars. A portion of the sinus may begin to descend, filling up the space created by the teeth. A sinus lift returns the sinus to its original position while a bone graft is used to close the gap.

Before the procedure

An oral examination will be performed by the dentist to assess the teeth and gums, and jaw. To establish the amount of bone loss, dental X-rays or 3D scans will be done. Following that, the dentist will review treatment choices with the patient and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

Bone grafting procedure

The bone grafting procedure is determined by the reason for the surgery. If it is linked to a dental implant, then the old/diseased tooth is extracted first. Following that, a bone graft will be performed to prepare the area for implant surgery. There will be a solid foundation for the new implant tooth after the graft. 

The dentist will first use a local anesthetic to numb the region. Following that, they will make a tiny incision in the gums. The gum tissue is pushed back slightly to expose the jawbone. The dentist will use bone grafting material to correct the defect after cleaning and disinfecting the area. For further protection, the bone graft is frequently wrapped with a membrane. Finally, stitches are made to seal the incision and reposition the gum tissue.

After the procedure

After the bone graft is completed, the treated area is left for healing for a few months before an implant is placed. Sometimes immediate implants are placed, the same day while completing the graft. It takes time for new bone to grow around the graft, ensuring that the implant stays in place. Bone graft surgery is frequently completed in about two hours.

After the bone graft, the patient will most likely experience some discomfort. However, the discomfort will be manageable. Use some ice packs to reduce the swelling and use the prescribed medications to reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to consume a soft, cold, liquid diet during the healing phase. Avoid hard, spicy, hot, and crunchy food until the treated area gets completely healed or as prescribed by the dentist. 

Make sure to contact your dentist in case of any emergency.