A Simple Guide to Bone Grafts for Dental Implants

Bone grafts for dental implants is one of the solutions to dental issues being adopted in recent time.

Oral surgeons can now rely on advanced technologies and techniques to treat what was once considered overwhelming dental conditions and bone grafting is one of such advanced techniques.

If you are candidate of dental implant, the thought of getting a bone graft may fill you with anxiety and fear.

But that’s because you have the wrong information.

In this article, we share a simple guide to bone grafts for dental implant. So, read on to find out all it involves and rid yourself of the anxiety.

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that is used to rebuild, repair or fix problems with joints and bones through the transplantation of bone tissues.

It involves placing a framework within the damaged part of the mouth.

The purpose of the procedure is to supply a place for the existing cells to grow into.

With time, the grafted material is then converted into a new bone thus leaving a sturdy and stable bone structure in the previously damaged part of the mouth.

When Is Bone Graft Used?

Bone grafting is necessary when there is a loss of bone structure or material in a part of the mouth.

This bone loss often occurs due to gum disease, and trauma which results in bone fracture and tooth loss.

Bone grafting can be introduced after tooth extraction to ensure there is structural integrity.

The purpose of bone grafting is to provide a solid base for the installation of dental implants.

The jaw being a powerful machine require a strong bone structure.

If the bones are not strong enough, the dental implant will not hold. A strong bone structure helps to support the internal and external tissues of the face.

If this structure isn’t solid or is compromised, patients will have an aged, haggard look.

What Are the Different Types of Bone Grafts?

There are different types of bone grafts and the type of bone graft used depends on the damage and the location of the lost tooth. They include:

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Ridge AugmentationThis helps to reproduce the natural contours of the jaws and gums, which may have been altered or changed due to a traumatic injury, tooth extraction, or bone loss.In ridge augmentation, a bone grafting material is placed in the socket after which a new bone fuses with the alveolar ridge to become a permanent part of the mouth.
Sinus LiftThis is necessary when a patient requires a dental implant in the upper jaw but has a thin sinus wall that is unable to hold the implant.Generally, an incision is made in an area above the upper jaw and the sinus tissue is then moved upwards.
The cavity created is then filled with the bone tissue. The patient will need to wait for about 8 to 12 months for the area to heal before a dental implant can be done.
Socket GraftingAlso called socket preservation, socket grafting is done to preserve the alveolar bone (the socket which holds the teeth in place).When a tooth is lost due to trauma or infection and leaves a cavity or jaw deformity in place, socket grafting can help remedy the situation.
The surgeon can fill the cavity with bone graft material, which will serve as the base, and then bone cells will move to form new bone cells.

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How Painful Is Bone Graft for Dental Implant?

Bone grafting isn’t so painful. During the actual procedure, you will feel little to no pain or discomfort A local anesthetic is typically administered.

The anesthetics will numb your mouth, preventing you from feeling any pain.

You can expect slight discomfort, swelling, pain, and bruising after the procedure. These are normal side effects and should reduce after a few days.

The pain can be managed with pain killers and antibiotics may be administered to prevent infection.

You may notice small fragments of bone protruding from the area after a few days.

These small fragments look like sand or salt, when you notice this, it’s nothing to worry about but be sure to consult your doctor to ensure it’s healing properly.

Is A Bone Graft Necessary for Dental Implant?

Bone grafting is not always necessary for the installation of a dental implant. It is only needed when there has been a tooth loss in the jaw.

Bone graft is also needed when there has been an injury to the jaw, gum disease, or a medical condition affecting the bones.

While it is not always required for a dental implant, when indicated, a bone graft can help improve the patient’s chances of a successful dental implant procedure.

However, only an oral surgeon can determine if the patient requires a bone graft and this is typically after carrying out several examinations.

What Is the Best Bone Graft Material for Dental Implant?

There are different types of bone graft materials available, each with its pros and cons. They include:

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Autograft Bone GraftThis involves removing bone from a part of the patient’s body, typically from the hard palate or chin.When there isn’t adequate bone tissue in this part of the body, the surgeon may take bone from the hip.
Autograft is beneficial in that there is a lower risk of bone graft rejection since the bone is from the patient’s body.

However, the process will require the doctor to make an incision on the patient’s body.
Allograft Bone Graft MaterialThis involves using bone from a cadaver or a deceased donor.The bone is usually stored in a bone bank and made available during request.Before using an allograft, it has to be checked to ensure it’s free of infections or diseases.
The bone graft also has to be treated to make it compatible with the patient.

Allograft is relatively safe, but the problem with this type of bone graft is the risk of immune rejection or reaction.
Alloplastic Bone Graft MaterialAlloplast grafting material can either be synthetically derived or gotten from natural materials.The materials used in alloplastic include bioactive ceramics, dicalcium phosphates, and hydroxyapatite.
They can be combined with the osteoconductive structure for the bone or used as fillers.

Also, alloplastic grafting material can be made in resorbable and non-resorbable forms thereby enabling customization.

With alloplastic, there is a low chance of antigenicity and disease transmission.
Xenograft Bone Graft Material

This bone is taken from an animal, usually a pig or cow, and then processed, leaving behind mineral components.Xenograft provides support to the dental implant site and as the jaw and mouth heal, the body naturally replaces the xenograft with a new bone.

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What Is the Maximum Time Between Bone Graft and Dental Implant?

The body requires some time to heal after a bone grafting procedure before dental implantation can be done.

Typically, the bone grafts will need up to 4 months to heal properly before dental implants can be placed.

Are You Put to Sleep for A Dental Bone Graft?

Typically, you do not need to be put to sleep during a bone graft procedure.

A local anesthetic will be applied to the area of the mouth being operated on to numb that part and prevent you from feeling any pain.

But your doctor may also provide a sedative for your comfort. Examples of such sedatives in IV sedation, nitrous oxide, and oral sedation.

Can You Have a Bone Graft at The Same Time as Your Tooth Extraction?

Oral surgeons suggest having a bone grafting procedure after tooth extraction. This can be sinus lifting, ridge augmentation, socket preservation, or periodontal bone graft.

Pros and Cons of Bone Grafting Method In Implant

Like all other procedures, bone grafting comes with its pros and cons.

Pros Of Bone Grafting

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Bone grafting helps patients who do not have enough bone to support artificial tooth replacement or dental implants. Dental implants are typically needed to support crowns and dentures and for aesthetic reasons too.
The bone graft helps to improve the shape and size of the gums and bone at the graft area, making your smile appear more appealing.
Bone grafting restores the balance of a patient’s face
Bone grafting helps to maintain the bone structure of the mouth after a tooth extraction process

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Cons Of Bone Grafting

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Bone grafting like most surgical procedures comes with a risk of infection. However, the risk of getting infected is only 1% and can be managed by using antibiotics prescribed by the dentist.
Bone grafting causes swelling of the grafted area. The patient may also feel pain and this can last up to two weeks. However, your doctor can prescribe pain killers which will help reduce the pain and discomfort.
Bone taken from the hips for dental bone grafting may cause discomfort when walking and this may last for several weeks.
In the case of allograft, the bone may take a long time to fuse to the patient, thereby prolonging the recovery period.

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Recovery From a Bone Graft

After a bone graft procedure, you should be back to normal in a week or two.

However, complete healing takes between three to nine months and sometimes longer.

The recovery time depends on many factors including the type of bone graft, the area in which the bone grafting took place, and the healing capacity of the body.

Some post-operative care for bone grafts include:

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Applying ice packs on the gum to reduce soreness and swelling
Avoid wearing dentures for a few weeks after the surgery as dentures put pressure on the grafted site and prevent proper healing
Use prescribed antibiotics, this prevents infection from setting in during the recovery phase
Take prescribed pain medication, this will help with the pain
Pay a visit to the surgeon to remove the suture and check the healing progress

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FAQ ON BONE GRAFTING

Is Bone grafting safe?

Bone grafting is a very safe procedure. There’s the risk of graft rejection or infection but this is unlikely especially when all precautions have been taken.

Can food be eaten after bone grafting?

There is no eating restriction after a bone graft procedure. However, try eating on the opposite side of the mouth for about 3 to 4 weeks.

The less food comes in contact with the grafted area, the faster the healing process will go.

What causes bone grafting failure?

A bone graft procedure can fail if infection sets in. The mouth is the dirtiest part of the body and is susceptible to infection.

Also, the bone can reject the bone graft and refuse to absolve it; when this happens, the surgeon will need to clean the area and reinstall the bone graft.

Can bone graft pull out?

Yes, a bone graft can fall out. This happens when the membrane, a sterile bandage that holds the particles in place is pressured, touched, or manipulated, causing the membrane to uproot and fall off.

How long does a bone graft procedure take?

The entire process which includes tooth extraction and bone grafting may take up to 45 minutes. The duration of the procedure typically depends on how cancerous the tooth is.

Is a bone graft needed after tooth extraction?

Generally, bone grafting is advised after tooth extraction. If you don’t get a bone graft immediately after, the bone will heal albeit at its own pace and in its way.

This means the wall of the tooth could cave in, causing the patient to lose the bone height and width. The more the bone loss, the less likely the success of a dental implant will be.

CONCLUSION

To achieve a beautiful dental restoration, a solid foundation is required. This necessitates the need for bone grafting, as it prepares the teeth for dental implantation.

However, many are not aware of what bone grafting entails and that is why we have brought all the information to you in this article.