Patients are often surprised to hear that bone grafting has been in practice for over a hundred years. While the grafting procedure has changed and drastically improved in recent years, it has actually been around for a long time. Bone grafting is commonly used in dentistry for patients with significant bone loss in their jawbone. The procedure is a safe and effective method used to restore a jawbone which has experienced bone loss. It is commonly used for patients who are looking to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant.
Dental Bone Graft
Dental bone grafting may sound intimidating, but it is actually a relatively minor, outpatient procedure. The dentist or periodontist will begin the procedure by making an incision which exposes the jawbone. The grafting material is then placed in the designated area. Over time, the body naturally regenerates new bone cells and eventually replaces the grafted material. This actually occurs regularly when the body creates new cells and old cells are eliminated.
Procedure
The bone grafting procedure can vary based on the patient’s specific needs and their individual situation. When a tooth has significant damage and cannot be preserved, it first must be extracted. The bone graft is then placed in the jaw. Once the graft heals and fuses to the bone, it creates a secure base which can accommodate a dental implant. Bone grafting material is often obtained from another part of the patient’s own body. The bone is often extracted from the back of the jawbone or another part of the body. Grafting material can also be obtained from human or animal donor bone. Donor bone is incredibly safe and thoroughly sanitized. When donor bone is used, it can help expedite the recovery process. Another material which can be used for a bone graft is synthetic material.
It is important for patients to work with the dental professional to determine which material will best meet their needs.
Healing
It typically takes 4-6 months for the body to heal after the bone grafting procedure. The dental professional will have regular follow-up appointments with the patient to determine when the bone graft has healed and is ready to accommodate the dental implant. In order for the dental implant to be successful, the body must create new bone around the graft.
Candidates
Patients who have gum disease or are missing a tooth are often excellent candidates for bone grafting. After the loss of a tooth, it is common for the body to absorb the bone where the missing tooth was located. The jawbone relies on stimulation from chewing in order to preserve the jawbone. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss and bone damage.
While bone grafting is not used to replace a missing tooth, it is a critical component in the dental implant procedure for many patients. Patients who lack the necessary bone structure in their jaw must have a bone graft before the dental implant can be placed. The lack of jawbone structure will result in implant failure.
Patients with a missing tooth who are interested in a dental implant should contact the office for a consultation. The team can complete a thorough examination to determine if you need to undergo bone grafting in order to properly support the implant.
