A bone graft can increase your likelihood of getting a dental implant. This procedure repairs your jaw to its original state after a tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. Not every implant patient needs a bone graft procedure done, so best book a free consultation at our local dental clinic, Advanced Dental Care in Dubbo, so that our dentist can assess and let you know whether the procedure is right for you. If our dental professional suggests a bone graft before starting the dental implant treatment, don’t be surprised. Know that this procedure is necessary to ensure your new smile’s success.
Our dentist, that offers free consultation, can help answer any questions you might have regarding bone grafting. This article will discuss the bone grafting procedure, its benefits, what to expect after the treatment, and much more.
What is bone grafting for dental implants?
Bone grafting for dental implants is a technique that involves replacing the lost jawbone with bone grafting material to promote regeneration. The graft material is absorbed by the natural bone as it grows, creating a fully integrated area of new bone. A dental implant needs to fuse with the bone, to develop a secure foundation for the crown, as the implant cannot be placed if there is no sufficient bone available.
What kind of bone graft might you require?
- Alloplasts – The mineral hydroxyapatite, which naturally occurs in bone, is used to create alloplasts.
- Xenografts – Xenografts are bone grafts that use animal bones, usually from a bovine.
- Allograft – Allograft bones come from deceased donors.
- Autografts – Bone tissue from the patient’s own body is used in autografts. Dental professionals typically obtain this tissue from the patient’s hip or chin.
What is the procedure for bone grafting?
Before your bone graft procedure, our dentist will discuss the treatment plan and choose the appropriate bone grafting material.
Step 1: Our dentist will numb the surgery site with a local anaesthetic. Also, if you’re anxious about dental treatments, you may need IV sedation.
Step 2: If you’re utilising an autograph, our dental practitioner will obtain the bone from the selected location. Likewise, they will extract your tooth at this time if you need it. Bone grafting and tooth extraction together encourage a speedy recovery.
Step 3: Our dentist will then clean the region properly. They will make a cut in the gum tissue to reveal the bone if you do not have a tooth extraction. The dental practitioner will secure the bone graft material to the exposed bone.
Step 4: Once the graft material is in position, our dentist will close the area with sutures. They may use a titanium screw, cables, or wires to hold the tissue together.
Step 5: In most circumstances, you won’t need to stay overnight after your treatment and can return home the same day, but if you had general anaesthetic or sedation, you might require a driver. It will take four to six months, sometimes longer, for your body to completely heal and prepare for your dental implant. To avoid complications, you should carefully follow our dentist’s instructions for the grafted area’s care.
What happens after the bone grafting procedure?
You will be given medicines to prevent infection after the procedure. Sometimes, painkillers are also offered. Most patients with bone grafts recover without any problems as long as they take medications. Checkups will be a regular part of your routine until our dental professional decides you are ready for the dental implant.
What are the benefits of bone grafting?
The main advantage of a bone graft for patients who require a dental implant is that it lets them enjoy all the benefits implants have over bridges or dentures. These advantages include the following: 
- They offer a permanent tooth replacement option
- They help boost your self-confidence by restoring your beautiful smile
- They lend support to the neighbouring teeth
- They provide a strong bite function
- They stimulate new bone development
A dental implant is fully functional and has a natural-looking appearance. It helps prevent bone loss and supports the facial structure. It never slips out of position, unlike a denture.
Is bone grafting for dental implants necessary?
Not always; it depends if you have sufficient bone mass to support the implant, or not. Only a dentist can assess if this procedure is needed or not. Bone grafting plays a crucial role in successful dental implant surgery. If you’ve lost a tooth, you may require a bone graft before you can get a dental implant.
Why not book a free dental consultation near you, at Advanced Dental Care Dubbo, to find out if you need bone grafting or not?
Restore your healthy smile at Advanced Dental Care
If you are looking for bone grafting treatment, do not hesitate to call Advanced Dental Care. Our experienced dental team will go over the advantages of bone grafting with you and make a treatment plan that is personalised to your needs.
Call us at (02) 6188 7103 and schedule your appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Bone Grafting
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-grafting
Bone grafts in dentistry
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722694/
Dental implants provide a modern, innovative, and permanent way to replace and repair damaged and missing teeth and restore the health and brilliance of your smile.