posted byMuse Dental GroupNovember 24, 2020
A dental bone graft is a painless and easy procedure that is often done in conjunction with other dental procedures such as implants and extractions.
Dental bone grafts provide additional strength to the teeth by replacing missing bone and allowing it to fully integrate into the patient’s mouth, meshing with the nerves and tissue.
In this article, we will discuss the following topics:
Dental bone grafts replace the missing bone that anchors a tooth in place, and they are often performed before oral surgeries that require bone growth.
They are a surgical procedure in which bone taken from the patient's body or elsewhere is placed to stimulate bone growth in areas of the jaw and mouth.
Bone grafts are performed on patients that are missing teeth or bone to help stimulate growth before procedures such as implants that require the dentist to drill into this bone, for example. An implant is anchored into this bone.
Therefore, this part of the jaw must remain strong enough to keep both implants and natural teeth in place.
Bone grafts are extremely durable as they induce natural bone growth and increase bone density.
Bone grafts are often harvested from cadaver bones that are granulated and sterilized.
Although many are turned off by the idea of a cadaver bone, this process is safe and sterile, and the bone goes through a quality assurance test and stringent process where it is rendered sterile.
There are many reasons why one would suffer from bone loss that would require augmentation with a bone graft.
For example, if you have suffered an injury that led to tooth or bone loss, you may need a bone graft to provide strength to the area.
Or if you suffer from a periodontal disease, which causes deterioration of the tissue that anchors your teeth in place, you may need a bone graft to replenish the dental structure.
A dental bone graft may also be necessary after tooth extraction to help restore the tooth’s surrounding structure.
All of the above may provide a reason for needing a bone graft before getting a dental implant, or maintaining the cosmetic appearance of the face, which can change from loss of bone.
Because a bone graft is a real bone, it integrates well the patient's gums and nerves as the bone grows into it. The nerves and soft tissue provide a mesh that it solidifies into.
There are some risks associated with dental bone grafts. However, it is usually a minor, very safe procedure.
One possible risk of a bone graft procedure is that your body may reject the bone graft, especially if the bone is synthetic or sourced elsewhere.
Depending on the patient, the bone graft may be rejected or may not be as effective in solidifying the bone. In this case, the bone graft may be replaced or removed.
There is also the risk of infection around the graft, causing bleeding, pain, swelling, and inflammation. This occurs if the patient does not take care of the graft site, such as cleaning it properly. However, a donated bone rarely causes an infection.
The healing process is affected by a variety of external factors such as age and lifestyle choices.
For example, if you are a smoker the bone graft may not heal properly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of lifestyle choices that may affect the procedure and the subsequent healing process.
Getting a dental bone graft may seem intimidating. However, we are here to help you understand the process step by step so that you know what to expect when going in for your procedure.
A bone graft is often performed in conjunction with other procedures. Therefore, the steps will differ based on the other procedure.
In general, you will receive local anesthesia, such as a numbing shot, to numb the area where the bone graft is taking place.
If you are going in for an extraction, the tooth is removed, then the bone graft is placed, and finally, the gum is sewn back up.
On the other hand, if you are going in for an implant, your dentist will make an incision in the gum, drill a hole in the bone to place the implant screw, then pack the bone graft in a powdered form around the implant to provide stability. However, in many implant cases, a bone graft is not necessary.
Finally, the patient may need treatment for periodontal disease, which, in severe cases, causes bone loss. First, the gum is opened with an incision, then the bone graft is packed around the bone to strengthen it.
If you require a bone graft to support an implant, to provide additional support after a tooth extraction, or to replenish your tooth structure after periodontal disease, make an appointment with your dentist!
The dentists at Muse Dental will evaluate your case and determine if you need a bone graft.
Here at Muse Dental, we want to help you maintain your oral health and provide you with the best care possible. If you have suffered bone loss, or require a bone augmentation of dental implant surgery, schedule an appointment with us today!
We’d love to have you for a checkup at Muse Dental Group with Dr. G. Bardakjian. He will evaluate your oral health and will ensure your bone graft procedure is done with the utmost care.
Your smile is in great hands at Muse Dental Group!
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