Bone grafting is a procedure to increase the amount of bone in a part of your jaw where either the bone has been lost or additional support is needed.
The bone that is used to increase your jaw can be taken from any part of your body and surgically fused with the existing bone in the jaw. If in case, the bone cannot be taken from your body, a synthetic bone material is used.
You do not require a bone graft for simple dental procedures. It may, however, be required if you need a dental implant or bone loss is impacting the health of your nearby gums and teeth.
To get an understanding of bone grafting, how it is performed, and what should you expect, read to the end of this article.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting can be done in many ways. The basic procedure, however, is the same. In essence, a dentist will make an incision in the jaw and attach a bone material to your jaw.
It is usually required if you have lost one or more teeth or have a gum disease as both conditions lead to bone loss in the jaw.
In general, your dentist will try to use your bone from the hip, back of the jaw, or tibia which is called an autograft. Autografts are considered the gold standard for this surgery as these not only increase bony support in the jaw but also promote healing and new bone formation.
If in case, an autograft cannot be used, the dentist will consider other options.
What Are the Types of Bone Grafts?
Apart from autografts, bone grafts are of the following types:
1. Allografts:
When a graft uses bone from another person, it is called an allograft.
2. Xenografts:
When a graft is used from another species including cow or pig, it is called xenograft.
3. Alloplasts:
When a graft is used from a synthetic material including calcium phosphate or calcium sodium phosphosilicate, it is called an alloplast.
How Do You Know if Bone Grafting is Suitable for You?
Bone grafting may be suitable for you if you have:
1. Implants for missing teeth
Patients who require all on four dental implants are good candidates for a bone grafting procedure. During a dental implant procedure, artificial roots are inserted into the jawbone and a matching crown is placed on the top of it. At times, you may require bone grafting before a dental implant to provide sufficient bone area for a dental implant.
2. Lost your teeth or have gum disease
If you do not require a dental implant, bone grafting may be required to support parts of your jawbone that have lost bone either due to tooth loss or gum disease. If you are experiencing bone loss, you can stabilize your jaw with a graft.
3. Bone loss
A potential loss of bone in the jaw can greatly affect your appearance. If you are losing bone mass in your jaw, it is high time for you to get a bone graft.
Bone loss is generally more common in people above the age of 65. People of any age, however, can also be impacted by this due to bad oral hygiene or other health issues.
What Do You Need to Keep in Mind Before Having a Bone Graft?
You do not need to prepare beforehand for a bone graft procedure. All you need to do is keep the following things in mind:
- Do not eat anything for at least eight hours before the procedure.
- Consult your doctor before taking any medication specifically a blood thinner as it can increase your chances of bleeding complications.
- Make sure that someone picks you up after the procedure as bone grafting can be quite exhausting.
How Do You Recover After the Procedure?
Recovery after bone grafting depends on your condition. You will likely be given a gauze to pack the incision in your mouth. The doctor will also advise you to apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation and pain. Make sure that you only consume soft and bland foods for several days after the surgery for a speedy recovery.
To Sum It Up
Bone grafting is an effective and safe procedure to treat gum disease, and tooth loss, and provide sufficient bone for dental implants. If you have lost a tooth or suffering from gum disease, you may require a bone graft. Consult a dentist by scheduling an appointment with us here.
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