Dental Implant With Bone Graft

Are you considering a dental implant? If so, you may have heard about bone grafting and wondered why it’s necessary. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of bone grafting for dental implants, helping you understand its importance in achieving a successful implant placement.

What is Bone Grafting, and Why is it Important?

Bone grafting is a dental procedure that involves adding volume and density to your jawbone. It is typically required when the bone surrounding a missing tooth is weakened or damaged due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or trauma. By undergoing a bone graft, you can stabilize your jawbone, making it a suitable foundation for a dental implant.

Without sufficient bone support, dental implant surgery may not be possible or could result in implant failure. The bone grafting procedure involves adding bone to the area of bone loss, either from the patient’s own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), an animal tissue bank (xenograft), or using synthetic materials (alloplast). Over time, the grafted bone integrates with the existing bone, creating a strong foundation for future dental work.

Four Types of Dental Bone Grafts

Autograft

An autograft is considered the gold standard of bone grafts. It involves taking bone tissue from another part of your body, such as the chin, back of the jaw, or hip, and transplanting it to the jawbone where density is low. Autografts are preferred because the patient’s own bone is less likely to be rejected and contains bone-growing cells that enhance successful healing.

Allograft

An allograft utilizes bone from a deceased donor. The bone tissue undergoes thorough cleaning to reduce the risk of disease transmission. This type of graft eliminates the need for an additional procedure to harvest bone from the patient’s body.

Xenograft

A xenograft involves using bone material from an animal, often a cow or pig. The underlying bone is carefully cleaned to minimize the risk of bacterial or disease transmission. Xenografts are less common but can be beneficial when donor bone availability is limited.

Alloplast

An alloplast utilizes synthetic materials, such as calcium phosphate or calcium sulfate, to create bone-like structures. These artificial bone grafts are typically used when there is a scarcity of donor bone.

Who May Need a Bone Graft?

If you have experienced bone loss in your jaw, you may need a bone graft before undergoing dental implant surgery. Bone loss can occur due to tooth extraction, gum disease, trauma, or other factors. Dental implants require sufficient bone material to support them, and a bone graft can restore volume and density to areas where bone loss has occurred.

Additionally, patients with active gum disease, previous dental abscesses or infections, or who are regular smokers may also require a bone graft. These conditions can contribute to bone resorption, negatively affecting natural teeth and necessitating a bone graft before implant placement.

The Bone Graft Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before proceeding with a bone graft surgery, your dentist, Dr. Mike, will evaluate your oral health through an examination and dental X-rays. These assessments will determine the need for a bone graft and provide essential information for creating a personalized treatment plan.

During the Procedure

Bone graft surgery involves the transplantation of bone to repair and rebuild damaged or diseased bones. The specific steps may vary depending on the case, but generally involve the following:

1. Anesthesia: You will receive a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. If necessary, additional sedation options can be used to alleviate anxiety.
2. Incision: Dr. Mike will make a small incision at the site of the damaged or diseased bone.
3. Graft Preparation: The bone graft material will be prepared, either from your own body, a donor, an animal source, or synthetic materials.
4. Graft Placement: The bone graft will be inserted into the damaged area and secured with screws, wires, or pins.
5. Closure: Once the graft is in place, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples.
6. Recovery: After the surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort, which are normal side effects that should diminish within a few days. Dr. Mike will provide post-operative instructions to promote healing and prevent complications.

Dental Implants After Bone Graft Surgery

While complete healing may take three to nine months, patients often feel back to normal within a week or two after bone graft surgery. The recovery time depends on several factors, including the type of graft, its location, and individual healing capacity. In general, Dr. Mike recommends waiting six to 12 months after a bone graft before placing a dental implant.

If you’re experiencing tooth loss or gum disease and desire dental implants, contact the Cleveland Implant Institute to schedule an appointment. Let us help you achieve a confident, beautiful smile that will make you smile!