Are you looking to have dental implant surgery performed on you? Wondering what a bone graft is and if you’ll benefit from it?
We’re here to answer your questions.
We will discuss what a bone graft is, why it’s needed, and how it benefits you. By the end of this article, you should better understand whether getting a bone graft for dental implant is necessary.
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
Understanding Bone Grafts and Dental Implants
A bone graft for a dental implant is a surgical procedure used to add extra bone material to the jawbone so that a dental implant can be inserted to replace missing teeth. The bone used during the grafting process may come from existing bones within the patient’s body, or it may be taken from a donor source.
During the grafting process, the surgeon will first prepare the area where the implant is placed. This may involve cleaning the area, reshaping the bone, and stimulating the surrounding tissue to be healthy.
The graft material is added and molded to the surrounding bone to ensure a secure fit for the dental implant. This process is vital to ensure the implant will adequately fuse with the jawbone for a long-lasting restoration.
Different Types of Bone Grafts
Different types of bone grafts exist depending on the size and complexity of the dental implant. Autogenous bone grafts are the gold standard in dental bone grafting and involve using the patient’s bone, often taken from the jaw or hip.
Allografts involve using donor human bone as a substitute for autogenous bone grafts, and this may be beneficial for some patients who have insufficient healthy bone.
Alloplastic grafts use synthetic materials such as collagen or hydroxyapatite to increase bone volume. Xenografts involve using animal sources for bone grafts.
Benefits
The benefit of this procedure allows for greater stability of the dental implant and a stronger foundation for the eventual placement of permanent teeth. It is a helpful procedure for patients who have suffered periodontal disease and have lost some of their jawbones due to the disease compressing the bone.
A bone or dental graft is also beneficial for patients who may not have had enough jawbones, such as patients who suffer from osteoporosis. The bone graft acts as a scaffolding to enable the safe and secure implantation of the dental implant.
By doing this, the patient can restore their oral health as well as their overall quality of life.
Risks and Complications
Although bone grafts offer the opportunity to reconstruct the underlying structure of the jawbone, there are some risks and complications associated with them. These risks include:
- pain and infection at the graft site
- damage to blood vessels
- nerve injury
- potential for excessive bleeding
- tissue damage
- facial asymmetry
Additionally, a bone graft procedure can be costly and unpredictable. Therefore, it is vital to consult a dental professional before surgery.
Schedule a Bone Graft for Dental Implant Today
A bone graft for dental implant is a necessary procedure for those with insufficient bone in their jaw ridge. With this procedure, patients can enjoy restoring impaired oral function, form, and a more balanced facial profile.
Speak to your dentist about this procedure if you feel it could benefit you.
Check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.
