Is this your first time hearing or learning about a dental bone grafting procedure? You don’t need to be scared of the procedure because it is usually managed by dental implant professionals.
Bone grafting is a dental procedure that involves extracting bone from somewhere in the body, usually the hip or chin, and inserting it in the jawbone. It is normally done before the dental implant procedure to reinforce insufficient bone in the jaw by fusing and supporting the dental implant.
Is Bone Grafting Necessary For Dental Implant?
Although bone grafting often takes place before the dental implant procedure, it is not always necessary. Before the dental implant, your dentist or oral surgeon examines your jawbone structure to see whether your jawbone is too soft, too thin, or insufficient to support the dental implant. If there is no sufficient jawbone, you undergo a bone graft for dental implant procedure to prevent dental implant failure over time.
Will A Bone Graft Affect The Length Of The Treatment?
If you eventually undergo a bone graft for dental implant procedure, the dental bone grafting procedure will definitely affect the overall dental implant treatment length. Dental implant surgery, typically, requires multiple stages and procedures. Bone grafting is also another procedure on its own. Adding an additional dental procedure to the dental implant surgery makesthe whole treatment process take longer time.
There are 5 main places from where the dental bone grafting material can be extracted. hese are:
- From the patient
- From another person (donor)
- From an animal
- From synthetic dental materials
- From a dead body (cadaver)
The dental implant dentist determines the best source for dental bone grafting material. This depends on which source the dentist feels will work best for the patient as well as the size of the bone grafts.
Little Bone Grafting
In the case where the dentist has to remove any damaged or broken teeth, there may still be some bone in the jaw where a little bone grafting may be required. Little bone grafting involves placing extracted bone in the form of granules into the empty socket. The socket is then covered with a protective collagen membrane using stitches. This type of grafting does not usually add to treatment recovery time. The granulated bone becomes part of the natural bone in the socket within a few weeks, keeping the original jawbone height.
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Medium Bone Grafting
This type of grafting is required when a more significant jawbone has been lost, and the jawbone’s height and width need restoration. During the dental bone grafting procedure, the dental implant dentist makes a small incision in the affected jawbone area and then inserts the bone granules. This helps build up the affected jawbone area and restores its height and width as it heals.
Big Bone Grafting
When a patient has lost multiple teeth over a long period, they experience a severe loss of jawbone. In such a case, the dental implant dentist suggests a big bone grafting.
In this dental bone grafting procedure, the dentist uses a block of bone extracted from any of the 5 sources listed above instead of bone granules. The dentist attaches the bone block to the jaw using screws and plates. This provides a foundation and support for the dental implant. Bone granule is used to fill in the available small spots, and a membrane is placed over the affected area using stitches. It usually takes several months for osseointegration to occur before the dental implant can be inserted.
Sinus Lifting
This is another type of bone grafting normally done for the upper jaw. A patient with a severe bone loss on his or her upper jaw usually requires a dental implant with bone grafting. Because the sinuses are right above the upper jaw, extra care must be taken with drilling near the area.
As a hollow cavity, the sinus cannot support the dental implant. Before the dental implant can be done, the dental implant dentist needs to lift the floor of the sinus to allow space to insert more bone. The dentist makes an incision in the gingival tissue to create a little opening into the sinus cavity. From this opening, the sinus membrane is detached and lifted from the sinus walls.
The dental bone grafting material is placed between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor. After inserting enough dental bone grafting material, the dentist places a collagen membrane to secure the inserted dental bone grafting material. After then, the dentist closes the little opening with stitches. A sinus lift procedure typically requires about 4 months for complete healing before the dental implant can be inserted.
Remember, there are four major types of bone grafting: little bone grafting, medium bone grafting, big bone grafting, and sinus lifting. The type of bone grafting you receive depends on the amount of jawbone needed for the dental implant procedure.
Bone Grafting Complications
Considering the various types of bone grafting, you may wonder if a Bone graft for dental implants is safe.
Bone graft for dental implant is safe only when performed by a licensed and professional dental implant dentist. Nevertheless, like every other surgery, bone grafting has its complications and risks. Even though these complications are rare, they sometimes still occur.
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Here are some potential complications of bone grafting:
- Bacterial infection
- Damages to the natural teeth, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Tingling and numbness in the gingivae, cheeks, and lips.
- Sinus problems in the upper jaw
- Pain, swelling, and bruising
After a dental bone grafting procedure, you may experience pain, swelling, discomfort, slight bleeding, and bruising in your gingival and possibly face. These healing signs subside in time.. However, if any of these signs worsen or cause you concern, quickly consult your dentist for pain-relieving medications or coping tips.
Choose a reputable dentist or oral surgeon to have a durable and long-lasting dental implant with bone grafting. This greatly reduces your risk of complications. For more information or answers to your inquiry, contact VIP Dental Implants today.
