Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is commonly performed in conjunction with dental restorations like bridges and implants. In many cases, the success of these procedures depends on the jawbone’s height, depth, and width at the implant site. If the jawbone has deteriorated or lacks sufficient density, it may not provide a stable foundation for the implant. In such instances, bone grafting is typically recommended to rebuild the area and ensure a successful restoration.
Several key factors can lead to loss of jawbone volume:
Periodontal Disease: This condition can severely damage the jawbone that supports the teeth. As the disease progresses, the bone deteriorates, leading to tooth instability and eventual loss.
Tooth Extraction: Research shows that 40–60% of the bone surrounding an extraction site can be lost within three years after tooth removal. This bone loss creates what is known as a “bone defect.”
Injuries and Infections: Trauma to the jaw, such as a physical blow, can result in bone recession. Similarly, infections in the oral cavity can lead to the gradual deterioration of the jawbone.
Why Bone Grafting Is Needed
Bone grafting is a highly successful and commonly recommended procedure, especially for patients with missing, damaged, or deformed teeth. It serves as a foundation for future dental restorations by increasing the height or width of the jawbone and filling in voids or defects.
Bone grafting plays two essential roles in improving oral health:
Jaw Stabilization: Grafting helps rebuild and strengthen the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for dental implants or other restorative procedures. It can also correct deformities and reinforce the structural integrity of the jaw.
Bone Preservation: After tooth extractions, periodontal disease, or trauma, bone grafting helps preserve the remaining bone and prevent further recession.
The Bone Grafting Evaluation
Before beginning the grafting process, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral examination to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. If gum disease or other dental issues are present, these must be treated first.
Panoramic X-rays are typically recommended to evaluate the depth and width of the existing bone. In some cases, a 3D CT scan may be needed for more precise measurements. The dentist may also explore the area surgically to determine the type and quantity of bone required for the graft.
Types of Bone Grafts
The type of bone graft selected depends on your specific needs and oral health condition. The main types include:
Autogenous Graft: Bone is harvested from your own body, typically from the chin or back of the lower jaw. This method often provides the most reliable and long-lasting results.
Allograft: This involves donor bone, typically sourced from a bone bank or processed synthetic material.
Xenograft: Bone is sourced from animals, commonly bovine (cow) origin, and processed for safe use in humans.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone grafting is generally an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight hospital stay. The process may take several months from start to finish, depending on the extent of the graft.
During surgery:
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
A small incision is made in the gum to access the jawbone.
The graft material is placed and secured into the area.
In some cases, a special membrane is used to cover the graft and promote healing while preventing contamination from soft tissue or bacteria.
Over time, the graft fuses with the existing bone, encouraging new bone growth and increasing volume and density. This enhanced bone structure can then support dental implants or other restorative solutions.
After surgery, your dentist will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and may prescribe antibiotics or medications to manage discomfort, swelling, and reduce infection risk.