If you are considering a dental implant, then you will need to know about dental bone grafting. This surgical procedure is used to restore bone mass in the jawbone, which is essential for dental implants. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about bone grafting: what it is, when it is necessary, and the different types of bone grafts. We will also talk about the risks and complications associated with this procedure, as well as how to prepare for bone graft surgery.
What is Dental Bone Grafting?
Bone loss in the jawbone can result from many causes, including periodontal disease, trauma, or oral cancer. The most common cause of bone loss is after tooth extraction. When a tooth is lost, there is nothing to stimulate the jaw in that area, and your body comes to the decision that maintaining the bone in that area is no longer necessary. As a result, the body begins to reabsorb the bone tissue, resulting in a decrease in bone density in the area. This is can be problematic, especially when a dentist wants to place an implant, as there needs to be enough bone density for the implant to integrate successfully with the jawbone.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which bone material is transplanted to the jawbone. This material acts as a scaffold, allowing new bone cells to grow and repair any bone loss in the area.
Bone grafts for dental implants are used all around the world, with one in every four dental implants requiring some form of bone grafting and over 2 million bone grafts being completed each year.
Dental Bone Grafting Steps
Typically a bone graft will follow these steps:
- Your dentist will take a dental x-ray and look into your mouth to get a full idea of the extent of bone loss present. Using this information, they will recommend the best type of graft to suit your needs, taking into account factors such as the location, size and shape of the defect.
- The areas that are about to undergo surgery will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for surgery, with local anesthesia used to reduce any discomfort. (If you want to be asleep for the procedure, you will have to tell your dentist in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements)
- If the donor material is from another part of the jaw or body, then it will be taken and prepped for grafting.
- An incision will be made in the gums to reveal the bone, and the bone graft material will be inserted into the area.
- The bone graft material is secured with screws or sutures, and the area is covered with a membrane to protect it during the healing process.
- The incision is then closed, and antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection. At this point, your dentist will advise you on the aftercare you need to take and how long it will take for the bone graft to heal.
- After healing, which could take months, you can proceed with an implant or whatever other procedure the bone graft was done for.
Depending on the extent of bone loss and the experience of the dentist/surgeon, different types of bone grafts may be used.
Types of Bone Graft Materials
Bone grafts can be made from many different materials, including natural bone and synthetic bones, but also a combination of both as well as growth factors. Most bone grafts nowadays are performed using unmodified bone taken from a living source. This can be broken down into four types:
Autografts – using bone from another part of the patient’s body
Autografts are bone grafts performed using bone taken from another part of the patient’s body. This can be taken from various sites, such as parts of your hip and forearm. These types of grafts are typically used when the teeth below only a few teeth need to be replaced. Autografts offer several advantages over other bone grafting techniques, such as not having to worry about your immune system rejecting the graft. However, autografts also require an additional surgical procedure to harvest the bone from the donor site and also can cause pain and discomfort at the donor site.
Allografts – using bones from a donor
Allografts are bone grafts taken from a donor. These types of bone grafts offer the advantage of being able to provide more bone than an autograft, and they can also be used when the defect is too large for other types of bone grafts. However, they do increase the risk of possibly transmitting disease from the donor, and there is also the risk of your body rejecting the graft. This is why donor material is usually processed before implantation.
Xenografts – using bones from other animals
Xenografts are bone grafts taken from other animals such as cows, pigs, or sheep. These types of bone grafts have the advantage of being readily available and have a high success rate. However, they do possess the same risks as allografts in terms of possibly transmitting disease from the donor and also the risk of your body rejecting the graft. Nonetheless, they are still a popular option for bone grafts in some cases.
Phytogenic Material – Plant-derived materials
Phytogenic Material is bone grafts made from plant-derived materials. These types of bone grafts are becoming increasingly popular due to their biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, and availability. Examples of phytogenic material include Gusuibu, coral-based bone substitutes, and marine algae.
Other Sources
In addition to these, there are also synthetic bone graft materials, such as Hydroxyapatite, Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramics, and Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics. These types of bone grafts offer the advantages of being non-toxic and biocompatible. However, they are still up and coming and are usually more expensive than natural bone grafts.
Healing After a Bone Graft
Your jawbone needs time to heal after a bone graft. This process can take up to several months, depending on the type of graft you had and your individual healing rate. During this first couple of weeks after your bone graft time, it is normal to have some levels of pain, swelling, or bruising. It is also possible that small fragments of bone, looking like salt, may come out of the site. This is also usually not a big concern. Although you can usually go back to normal activities the day after your procedure, it is important to take proper care of your body afterwards. This includes:
Seeing Your Dentist Regularly
It is important to follow up with your dentist regularly after your bone graft procedure. This will help ensure that the bone graft is healing properly and that there are no complications.
Eating Soft and Healthy Foods
Depending on your exact situation, your dentist may ask you to limit what you eat during different stages of the healing process. Eating soft can help ensure that you don’t accidentally damage the area that has undergone surgery. Additionally, try to stick to nutritious meals with plenty of protein to aid in healing. Just like any surgery, it is important to give your body the nutrients it needs in order to heal.
Getting Lots of Sleep
Sleep is essential for a healthy body and also for proper healing. Like eating healthily, getting plenty of sleep will ensure that your body is able to recover quickly and efficiently. Make sure to get plenty of rest after your bone graft procedure.
Using Pain Medication and Antibiotics as Required
Pain and swelling are normal after bone graft surgery. You can reduce the amount of pain you feel by using over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), or your dentist may also prescribe stronger pain relievers, such as Tylenol-3. Additionally, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help reduce any chance of infection. Make sure to follow their instructions for using these medications.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Finally, it is important to practice good oral hygiene throughout your healing period. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day and using any special techniques or products recommended by your dentist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bone grafts are an important part of dental implant treatments and there are different types to choose from, depending on the individual situation. It is important for you to understand all of your options, as well as how to care for yourself after the procedure in order to ensure a successful outcome. By following these tips and consulting with your dentist regularly, you can ensure that your bone graft experience is a positive one.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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