What is a Bone Graft?
Dental implants are intended to replace missing teeth and restore jaw function. However, when a tooth is missing for a long time, the jawbone may weaken. Low bone density can cause dental implants to fail or loosen. Bone grafting is a straightforward surgical procedure that replenishes bone tissue, allowing the jaw to effectively support the implant.
“Is a Bone Graft Right for Me?”
If you’re considering a dental implant, the first step is to visit our Sarasota dental implant clinic for a consultation. During the exam, our expert will evaluate your oral health and take an x-ray of your jawbone to determine if it has enough density to support an implant. If your jawbone is insufficient, a bone graft may be recommended.
There are several types of clinically proven, safe bone grafting materials, all designed to encourage bone tissue regeneration. These materials serve as a framework, eventually being replaced by your natural bone.
Autograft
An autograft uses bone material from your own body. This method requires two surgical sites: one to harvest the bone and another for transplanting it.
Allograft
An allograft uses bone tissue from a human donor, usually from a tissue bank. It’s processed in a lab to ensure safety and is often chosen for dental bone grafts because it naturally supports bone growth without needing to harvest bone from the patient.
Xenograft
A xenograft uses bone tissue from animals, often cows. The tissue is sterilized and processed for safety, offering a good option for bone regeneration when human tissue isn’t ideal. It acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow.
Alloplast
Alloplasts are synthetic bone graft materials, like ceramics, that mimic natural bone. These materials are biocompatible and are a great option when other graft types aren’t suitable, providing a safe scaffold for bone growth.
The Bone Grafting Process
Consultation
Before your dental bone graft, your doctor will assess your suitability for the procedure. During the initial consultation, they will examine your teeth and gums and take an x-ray of your jawbone. If a bone graft is deemed beneficial, we will schedule your surgery.
Procedure
The first step is administering a local anesthetic to numb the area where the graft will be placed, ensuring you experience no discomfort during the procedure. After numbing the site, your doctor will make a small incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. The area is then cleaned and sterilized before the bone grafting material is applied. Finally, the gum tissue is repositioned and securely sutured.
Aftercare
The procedure typically involves minimal pain, but you may experience some swelling or discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. These symptoms are normal and should subside in a few days. Pain medication or antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. It’s also common to notice small bone material fragments at the incision site as part of the healing process, which is nothing to worry about. For any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While dental bone grafts have a high success rate, failure is always possible. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort that worsens after the first week
- Discharge from the surgical site
- Gum recession
The surgical site typically heals within one to two weeks. However, it may take three to nine months for the bone graft to establish sufficient bone mass. Your age, dental health, and the type of graft can all influence the recovery time.
During the procedure, your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you feel little to no discomfort. Afterward, you might experience minor pain and swelling as the anesthetic wears off. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage discomfort, which should significantly decrease or disappear within a week. If pain or swelling worsens after a week, contact your doctor.
Bone grafts typically don’t require sedation, as local anesthesia is sufficient. However, if you experience significant dental anxiety, sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation may be considered. Be sure to discuss your preferences with your doctor to determine the best option for you.
A dental bone graft is designed to last long-term, but its success depends on various factors, including your overall health and oral hygiene. With proper care, the graft can support a dental implant for many years.
After a bone graft, you should stick to soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the graft site for a few weeks. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on what to eat and when you can return to a normal diet.
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