Losing teeth can be a downright tough experience, and while dental implants are a go-to option for tooth replacement, they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. In certain cases, folks who have experienced tooth loss may have also seen a decrease in the bone mass required for implant support. That’s where a special procedure called bone grafting comes in; it’s a game-changer for implant success. In this piece, we’ll dive into the depth of bone grafting and explore its benefits for those considering dental implants.
What is bone grafting for dental implants?
The bone grafting process for dental implants is where a small sample of healthy bone tissue is harvested from another region of the body and embedded into the jawbone to fill in areas with bone damage. This is necessary for patients that have experienced significant destruction to bone tissue caused by trauma or gum disease. Without the proper amount of strong bone in the jaw, dental implants wouldn’t be achievable. The transplanted bone will eventually fuse with existing bone, providing a stable base for implanting a new tooth.
Who might need a bone graft for a dental implant?
1. People with missing teeth
If you’ve lost one or more teeth and are looking for a permanent solution, dental implants are right for you. This is because the jawbone tends to shrink at the spot where the tooth has been lost, and there may not be enough healthy bone tissue to support the implant.
2. People with thin jawbones
Even if you have all of your natural teeth, you may still require a bone graft in order to place a dental implant. This is because the jawbone can shrink over time due to ageing or other factors such as smoking. This can lead to insufficient bone for supporting an implant, hence rendering it infeasible.
3. People with periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that can obliterate the supporting structures of your teeth; even the jawbone is at risk. A bone graft might be necessary to place a dental implant if you have the disease, owing to shrinkage of the jawbone. It’s possible that there will not be enough bone left to carry the implant, but a bone graft would address this limitation.
4. People with previous dental implants
In case of a prior dental implant failure, placing another implant may require a bone graft. This is due to the damage caused to the jawbone by the previous implant, which may render it unable to sustain a new one.
What are the types of bone grafts used for dental implants?
1. Autograft
This type of bone grafting uses bone taken from another part of the patient’s body, such as the hip or shin. Autografting is the most dependable type of grafting since it employs the patient’s own bone, which precludes rejection and disease transmission.
2. Allograft
An allograft is a bone graft where the bone is taken from a donor and transplanted to the area where the dental implant will be placed. The donor bone graft may come from a cadaver or another living person. Allografts are more likely to be rejected by the body than autografts.
3. Xenograft
A xenograft is a bone graft where the bone is taken from an animal and transplanted to the area where the dental implant will be placed. The most common type of animal bone used for xenografts is bovine (cow) bone. Xenografts are more likely to be rejected than autografts and allografts.
4. Synthetic Graft
A synthetic bone graft is a type of bone graft where artificial bone is used to fill in the area where the dental implant will be placed.
Although it is less likely to be rejected by the body than xenografts, synthetic bone grafts tend to have a lower success rate when compared with other types of bone grafts.
What are the different types of bone grafting procedures?
1. Sinus lift procedure
This surgical technique involves elevating the sinus membrane and inserting bone material to augment the volume of the bone surrounding an implant for better placement. It is typically reserved for upper jaw implants due to the proximity of the sinus cavity to the intended region.
2. Ridge expansion procedure
When there’s insufficient space in the jawbone, implants are compromised. To address the issue, the site is prepped by making cuts in the bone and inserting graft material. The added pressure from the graft causes the bones to expand outward, making room for implant placement.
3. Socket preservation procedure
A dental socket preservation procedure is undertaken when a tooth is extracted. This involves inserting bone graft material into the vacant socket to bolster the jawbone and speed up the healing process.
4. Block grafting procedure
In this type, multiple pieces of bone are taken from another area of the body and transplanted to the site where the dental implant will be placed. The pieces of bone are then held together with screws and plates. This procedure allows for a larger area to be filled with the graft material, providing more stability and support for implant placement.
5. All-On-X procedure
The All-on-X procedure can benefit individuals suffering from significant bone loss requiring additional support for dental implants. This involves placing four implant posts with minimal or zero preparation directly into the jawbone. To ensure safety, efficacy and longevity, posts are inserted at specific angles and depths for optimum stability.
What happens during a bone grafting procedure?
The steps of bone grafting for dental implant placement include the following:
Preparing the area where the graft will be placed by making an incision in the skin and using a drill to create a hole in the bone.
Putting the graft material into the hole to fill the void and boost bone growth.
Securing the graft material with screws or plates and covering them with bone cement for extra stability.
Closing off the incision with stitches, then covering it with a dressing for several days while it heals.
What is the expected recovery time for bone grafting?
The recovery process from bone grafting hinges on the procedure’s complexity and the patient’s condition. Generally, after the initial surgery, patients must take a few days of rest and consume soft foods to avoid exertion. Following this, patients can safely return to work and resume their routine, yet the bone graft may need several months to fuse with the existing bone before implant placement.
What are the risks of bone grafting for dental implants?
As with any surgical or invasive procedure, the bone grafting procedure carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage; they are generally low when performed by an experienced and qualified dental surgeon. To further minimise complications, patients must follow pre-and post-operative instructions attentively. Despite any dangers inherent in invasive surgical procedures, patients seeking dental implants should not be deterred from pursuing the many benefits achieved with dental implants.
Book your appointment now!
At Balmoral Dental Centre, we understand the importance of a healthy smile. A bone grafting procedure could significantly improve your oral health if you have suffered from bone loss. Our team of experienced professionals are committed to providing you with the highest quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We employ the most current technology and techniques to guarantee a successful and safe operation. So, why wait? Contact us at (07) 3113 9789 or visit us today to start on the path to a healthier smile.
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 for dental implants | CUH https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/bone-grafting-for-dental-implants/
What You Need To Know About A Dental Bone Graft https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bone-graft
Dental Bone Graft: Process, Healing & What It Is https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
This helps give our patients who are undergoing treatment at our clinic peace of mind knowing that we have demonstrated evidence-based quality standards of care.
If you have an urgent problem, call us on (07) 3113 9789. We will almost always be available to help out as times are reserved every day for emergencies, including Saturdays and Sundays.
