Do They Bone Graft for Teeth?
Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves removing a bone fragment from a suitable location, such as the patient's jaw, and implanting it in the desired repair site. It is used to reconstruct the area that has lost height or thickness.
When should it be done?
Over the years, tooth and alveolar bone loss can occur, leading to gum thinning and a series of factors such as periodontal disease, injuries, trauma, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems.
The procedure is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with bone loss and are seeking a dental implant.
The main goal of a bone graft is to create a solid foundation for teeth or implants. When a tooth is missing for a long time, the surrounding bone begins to shrink (a process called bone resorption). Without enough bone, it can be difficult—or even impossible—to place an implant or support nearby teeth properly.
A bone graft helps:
- Rebuild lost bone in the jaw
- Support dental implants
- Prevent further bone loss
- Improve the shape and strength of the jawline for function and aesthetics
What is the dental bone graft procedure like?
Surgery is performed to place the bone graft, thus filling the damaged area.
The bone graft material can be taken from the individual (autogenous bone) and is easier to regenerate. It can also be taken from animals (xenogeneic – bovine freeze-dried) or synthetic vitreous materials (synthetic hydroxyapatite). The procedure can be performed in fragments or in blocks.
The healing and regeneration period varies from patient to patient, but it's typically necessary to wait 4 to 6 months to assess the success of the procedure. After that, the patient should schedule pre-implant follow-up appointments for a clinical evaluation by the dentist, who will determine whether conditions are favorable for continuing treatment.
This surgical procedure aims to add height or width to the maxillary and/or mandibular bones, thereby increasing their volume for the subsequent placement of a dental implant.
How long does it take for complete bone regeneration and approval for implant placement?
Bone regeneration time varies from 6 to 12 months.
What are the risks of not performing a bone graft?
If a patient diagnosed with bone loss chooses not to undergo the bone graft procedure, this can cause a series of functional and aesthetic problems.
Care after the bone graft procedure
To perform this procedure, it is necessary to have periodic follow-ups with your dentist and strictly follow their instructions.
Patients who smoke are the most critical; they should be aware of the main problems that smoking can cause before, during, and after treatment. Some of these include:
- Bone loss resulting from periodontal infection.
- Greater chance of implant rejection.
- Greater chance of infection in grafts.
- Slow response to healing due to smoking.
- Darkening (aesthetic impairment) of dentures and teeth.
Ideally, these patients should become aware and stop smoking so that the procedure can have a positive result.
Schedule an appointment with us today for an accurate diagnosis from our excellent specialists, as well as the ideal bone graft treatment for your case!