Cosmetic Dentistry

Bone Grafting - Bone grafting with dental Implants

Procedures that increase bone structure in order to place a dental implant are called Bone Augmentation. The most common of these procedures is Bone Grafting. This procedure adds bone or similar materials in the jaw, which fuses with bone months later.

The bone graft is very safe and effective in the dental implant restoration. Once it is placed, it will help replace missing bone, stimulate bone formation and increase bone volume.

When is bone grafting necessary?

The most common use for a Bone Grafting is during a Dental Implantation. Quite frequently, the dentist realizes that there isn’t enough bone to support the implant. A weak bone structure might be caused by factors such as gum disease, injury, trauma or missing teeth over a long period of time.  
In case of people whose jaw is too short or too narrow, bone should be added into the jaw before the implants can be placed.
Recovery time before inserting the implants is usually between 6 to 12 months following bone augmentation.

Where does bone grafting come from?

It is recommended that the material used for a bone grafting comes from patient’s own bone. This material is usually removed from the chin or back part of lower jaw (ramus).
If the patient does not want to have bone removed from its own body, it might be taken from human cadavers or even cows. Synthetic materials might also be used.
Most dentists usually prefer to use patients own bone; use of alternative materials should be discussed with the dentist.

How is bone grafting performed?

First, with an X-Ray, the dentist determines if the patient will need the bone-grafting. After, an incision in the gum will be made in order to evaluate quantity of bone necessary. Local anesthesia will be used in both places: donor and recipient area.
Another incision will be made so the bone will be exposed. Some part of the bone and also bone marrow will be removed. Depending on the dentist and the amount of bone which has been removed, the donor area might be replaced with another synthetic material and a film of tissue will be used to cover the area. Stitches will be used to close the incisions.
The bone removed will be placed together with titanium screws. Patient’s bone marrow combined with an alternative bone-graft material will be inserted around the placed bone. The area will be covered with a membrane and stitches will be used to close the incisions.

Recovery from bone grafting

Following the procedure, special care should be taken. The patient should avoid certain foods and pressure on the area. Also, medication for pain and antibiotics will be prescribed. An antibacterial mouthwash will be used as well. In case of patient with dentures, they should not be worn before healing process is complete. In case of people with natural teeth, a removable bridge might be temporarily placed in order to ensure protection of the area. Recovery time is usually from 6 to 12 months. Implants can only be inserted when healing process is complete. In addition, the titanium screws inserted in surgery will be removed before the implants can be placed. 

What else you should know about bone grafting

In case of several implants needed or a weak bone structure, more bone will be necessary. In these situations, bone will be taken from hips, shin bone or other places. More extensive procedure will be done under general anesthesia and overnight at the hospital will be necessary.
Bone grafting is a successful procedure which has been already performed in a high number of patients. Bone grafts do not present rejection problems such as organ transplants. However, a bone graft might fail due to an infection or even instability in the area which makes the bone becomes loose. Smokers and patients with certain medical conditions are more likely to present these symptoms. If it happens, the failed graft will be removed and a new one will be placed.