If you are missing a tooth, have suffered from gum disease, or have experienced bone loss, you may need a dental bone graft procedure before getting dental implants. At URBN Dental, we offer comprehensive dental services, including bone grafting, to help our patients achieve their dream smile. In this article, we will discuss what to expect after dental bone grafting, the different types of bone graft materials, and how bone grafts work for dental implants.
What is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy bone tissue into areas of your jaw that lack sufficient bone density. Bone grafts can help regenerate bone growth, creating a healthy foundation for dental implants or restoring healthy natural teeth. Dental bone grafts are a relatively minor procedure that requires local anesthesia and is often performed on an outpatient basis.
Why Do I Need a Dental Bone Graft?
If you are missing teeth or have suffered from periodontal disease, you may experience alveolar bone loss, which can lead to complications with dental implants. Dental bone grafting helps to recreate the lost bone structure and provides a foundation for the implant to fuse with. Additionally, patients who have suffered from severe injury or trauma may need a bone graft to replace lost bone tissue.
What to Expect After Dental Bone Grafting
After a dental bone graft procedure, you can expect some soreness and swelling in the affected area. The discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescribed medication from your dentist. You should avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after the procedure, and we recommend sticking to a soft food diet for several days following the surgery. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits, but you should be gentle when brushing and flossing around the treated area. You should also avoid smoking and using tobacco products during the healing process, as this can slow down the healing process and lead to complications.
Bone Graft Materials
At URBN Dental, we use a variety of bone graft materials, including your bone, synthetic bone grafts, and demineralized bone matrix. The bone graft material used will depend on the patient’s unique situation, and our experienced dental team will discuss the options with you before the procedure.
Your Bone
Transplanting your bone is a highly effective bone graft material, as it reduces the risk of rejection and complications since it is your own body tissue. During the bone grafting procedure, your dentist will harvest a small amount of bone from your jaw, hip, or tibia, and transplant it into the affected area.
Synthetic Bone Grafts
Synthetic bone grafts are an alternative to using your bone and are made from calcium-based materials that mimic the structure of real bone. Synthetic bone grafts can be used alone or mixed with other bone graft materials, and they have a long shelf life, making them a convenient option for patients.
Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)
Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a bone graft material that is made from human bone tissue that has been processed to remove the mineral content. DBM contains growth factors and proteins that help stimulate bone growth and can help the body regenerate bone tissue. DBM can be used alone or mixed with other bone graft materials, and it is an excellent option for patients who may not have enough healthy bone tissue to harvest for a bone graft.
How Do Bone Grafts Work for Dental Implants?
Bone grafts are essential for dental implants because they help provide a stable foundation for the implant to fuse with. Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone and must fuse with the bone to create a strong and long-lasting bond. If there is not enough healthy bone tissue present, the implant may not be able to fuse correctly, and the implant may fail. During a dental implant procedure, the dentist will place the implant into the jawbone and allow time for the implant to fuse with the bone tissue. This process is called osseointegration and typically takes several months to complete. Once the implant has fused with the bone, the dentist will attach an abutment, which connects the implant to the replacement tooth or crown.
Bone Grafting Procedure for Dental Implants
If you require a bone graft before getting dental implants, your dentist will perform the bone grafting procedure first. The bone graft material will be placed into the area where bone loss has occurred, and the gum tissue will be sutured closed over the graft material. After the bone graft, it will take several months for the bone tissue to regenerate and fuse with the graft material.
Sinus Lift Procedure
In some cases, patients may require a sinus lift procedure before getting dental implants in their upper jaw. A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone graft material to the area above the upper jawbone, where the sinuses are located. This procedure helps to lift the sinus membrane, creating space for the bone graft material to be placed. Once the bone graft has healed, the patient can proceed with getting dental implants.
Are Bone Grafts Painful?
The bone grafting procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area and prevents pain during the procedure. After the procedure, patients can expect some soreness and swelling in the affected area, but the pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication or prescribed medication from your dentist. Some patients may experience mild discomfort for several days following the procedure, but this should subside as the area heals.
Benefits of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Bone grafting is an essential step in the dental implant process because it helps to create a stable foundation for the implant to fuse with. Dental implants offer a range of benefits, including improved appearance, improved speech, and better chewing function. Implants are also a long-lasting and durable option for replacing missing teeth, with proper care and maintenance.
If you are considering dental implants but have suffered from bone loss or do not have enough healthy bone tissue, a bone graft may be necessary before proceeding with the implant procedure. At URBN Dental, we offer a range of bone grafting procedures and materials to help our patients achieve their dream smile.
Bone Graft FAQs
How long does dental bone graft pain last?
After a dental bone graft procedure, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling in the affected area, but the pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication or prescribed medication from your dentist. The pain and discomfort can vary from patient to patient, but most patients experience mild discomfort for several days to a week following the procedure. It is essential to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions and avoid smoking or using tobacco products during the healing process, as this can slow down the healing process and lead to complications.
How long does dental bone graft take to heal?
The healing time for a dental bone graft can vary from patient to patient, depending on the type of bone graft material used, the location of the graft, and the patient’s overall health. In general, it can take several months for the bone tissue to regenerate and fuse with the graft material.
What does a dental bone graft look like?
A dental bone graft typically looks like a small lump or mound of granular material in the affected area. The graft material used can vary, but it is usually a mix of bone graft material and the patient’s blood, which helps to promote healing and stimulate new bone growth. Over time, the graft material will integrate with the surrounding bone tissue and create a stable foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatments.
How much does a dental bone graft cost?
The cost of a dental bone graft procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the type of bone graft material used, the location and extent of the bone loss, and the experience and location of the dental provider. At URBN Dental, we offer competitive pricing and accept most dental insurance plans to help make the cost of dental bone grafting and other restorative procedures more accessible to our patients. We also offer financing options and payment plans to help make dental care more affordable.
Contact URBN Dental for Bone Grafting
If you are considering dental implants but have suffered from bone loss or do not have enough healthy bone tissue, a bone graft may be necessary before proceeding with the implant procedure. At URBN Dental, our experienced dental team offers comprehensive dental services, including bone grafting, to help our patients achieve their dream smile. We use a range of bone grafting materials and techniques to ensure the success of the implant procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you restore your smile with dental bone grafting and dental implants.
