Bone Grafting
Patients often experience bone and tissue loss as the result of gum disease. Another common cause of bone loss is the loss of a tooth which is not replaced in a timely manner as this results in bone resorption. A dental implant is an excellent solution used to replace one or more missing teeth. In order to place an implant, patients must have adequate jawbone structure. The lack of bone mass can result in implant failure and other complications.
Dental bone grafting is used to restore bone loss in the jaw. Bone grafting is often used prior to the placement of an implant. The procedure is safe, effective, and has high success rates. In order for a patient to be a good candidate for an implant, they must have a strong and secure jawbone. This ensures the success of the implant. Before completing bone grafting, the dental professional will thoroughly examine the jawbone. The jawbone must have specific height and width dimensions required to accommodate an implant.
Cost
The cost for bone grafting can vary based on factors including the severity of the patient’s bone loss, the patient’s oral health, grafting material being used, and the specific grafting procedure. Bone grafting material which is obtained from another part of the patient’s own body will increase the cost as the procedure becomes more complicated. An anesthesiologist and orthopedic surgeon are typically required when the bone is extracted from another area.
There are additional factors which can have an impact on the overall cost for bone grafting. This can include x-rays, CT scans, and any additional procedures required for treatment. The patient’s dental insurance can also have a significant impact on the overall cost. It is important for patients to work with the provider to determine the cost for their specific bone grafting case.
Procedure
The bone grafting procedure starts with preparation and obtaining x-rays. The dental professional may also order a CT scan for additional visibility of the bone structure. Once the initial prep work is done, the procedure can proceed.
The grafting material is then prepared or obtained. There are different materials which can be used for grafting. The materials can include the patient’s own bone, human or animal donor bone tissue, and synthetic material.
There are various grafting procedures which can be used based on the patient’s specific needs. Common procedures include a socket graft, block bone graft, or sinus graft. A combination of these procedures can also be used.
The dental professional will place the grafted material in the treatment area. Once the material is placed and the treatment area is closed, the gums will need sufficient time to recover and heal. Over time, the body replaces the grafted material with newly created bone tissue. The grafted bone works as a placeholder to promote and trigger the creation of new bone structure.
Patients who are considering a dental implant and suspect that they may need a bone graft should contact the office for an appointment. The dental professional can examine the mouth and jaw to determine if the patient must first undergo bone grafting prior to having an implant placed. The team can also provide the cost for bone grafting.
