Waiting to replace a lost tooth has its consequences. Bone resorption begins soon after your tooth is lost and makes it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to properly place dental implants. Luckily, bone grafting can make you an ideal candidate for dental implants.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is performed to increase bone volume and quality in patients who have experienced resorption after tooth loss or need additional bone in their jaw to support a dental implant. Dental implants are the best way to restore missing teeth as they look and feel natural and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Modern bone grafting was first developed in Germany in the early 1820s.
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Dental implants are superior to all other methods of tooth replacement, including partial dentures and dental bridges. With a bone graft, you can strengthen your jaw bone and prepare for a permanent dental implant.
Over time, bone loss and tooth loss can lead to a "sunken" appearance and changes in your facial structure. Bone grafting and dental implants can help to preserve your facial structure, even in the event that you can no longer save your natural teeth.
Jaw bone loss will only get worse over time without treatment. With a bone graft, you can reverse it, and dental implants help stimulate your jaw and keep it healthy. This prevents the weakening of nearby jaws and teeth.
First, your periodontist will need to take a look at your mouth to make sure bone grafts are necessary for your implant. They will perform an oral exam, take x-rays of your jaw, including a possible CBCT scan, and review your dental history to determine if bone grafting is appropriate for your situation.
If you’re approved for treatment, you’ll come back for a follow-up and get your surgery. To begin the procedure, your oral surgeon will clean and numb the treatment area. Then, they will create a small opening in the gums and jaw, and pack special bone granules into the area. After this, they will clean up the treatment area and suture it closed. You’ll be sent home to rest and recover.
You’ll follow your periodontist's recovery instructions, and your mouth will feel normal after 1-2 weeks. However, it will take anywhere from 3-6 months for the bone graft to fully integrate into your jaw and become solid enough to place an implant into. You’ll come back to our office for a few follow-ups during this time, and your periodontist will make sure your recovery is on track.
A periodontist is a dentist who completes specialized training and additional 3 years of education after dental school. Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. Choosing a specialist for your oral health needs ensures that you receive the high-quality care that you deserve.
The length of time required to perform a bone graft can vary depending on several factors. Where the graft is taking place, the size of the graft, and the type of material used can all impact the duration of your procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide you with a thorough explanation of the treatment, and give you information about what to expect on the day of the procedure and how to properly prepare for it.
The cost of oral surgery varies from procedure to procedure based on the complexity of the surgery and the materials used. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover your oral surgery, ask about financing options so you can create a payment plan that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Bone grafts may be covered in part by your insurance provider depending on your particular plan and scope of coverage. Talk to your dental insurance providers about your benefits to find out if your recommended oral surgery will be covered.
There are three main types of bone grafts: allografts, autografts, and synthetic bone grafts.
Allografts utilize tissue from a donor to replace missing bone. Certain measures are taken to ensure successful osseointegration. These are the most common material used for bone grafting in our practice.
A xenograft is a type of bone graft that comes from an animal donor, most commonly from a bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) source. Bovine bone is very commonly used in sinus grafting as it provides very good dimensional stability over time.
There are a wide range of biocompatible materials that can be used in place of donor tissue. Synthetic bone grafts offer a degree of flexibility when it comes to treatment, and is the best option for certain patients.
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