What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is the process of placing bone tissue into the mouth to prepare it for dental implants. This is done if the patient does not already have enough healthy bone tissue in their mouth to support the implants. The transplanted tissue helps to recreate the support system that would have been there with the patients’ original bone tissue.
Types of Bone Grafting.
There are several ways to do a bone graft. The most common one is called a socket graft. The socket graft is used to keep the bones in your mouth from wasting away. During this process, the bone graft is placed into the socket of the gum. This helps keep the socket from collapsing. You should be ready for implants in about 6 months after a socket graft is performed.
The second type of graft is called the lateral ridge preservation graft. This graft helps to increase the jawbone’s width in order to make room for the implants. This procedure heals in about 4-6 months.
Another graft is the block bone graft. In this graft, the jawbone usually has some deformities. The dentist will take some bone from the back of the jaw and place the block into the defect and secure it there through screws. Recovery takes about 4-6 months.
The last form of grafting is the sinus lift procedure. While the other three usually use human bone, this one utilizes equine bone in order to expand the graft. Equine bone is used mainly because it does not dissolve as quickly as human bone and it is incredibly similar to human bone. It can be added to human bone and produces a stong support system that is capable of holding the implants in place and supporting bone growth in the sinus. Patients who need implants in the upper jaw are the ones who have this procedure most often.
How Do I Know If I Need Bone Grafts?
There are a number of reason why a person might need a bone graft. If a person has lost a tooth, they might need a graft before an implant can be placed. Bone loss occurs everyday after a tooth is lost, and also the chances for infection in the socket are increased after a tooth is lost. The longer a person waits before going to the dentist after loosing a tooth increases the chances of needing a bone graft.
Other reasons why a patient might need a dental graft are deficiency of bone due to development defects, gum disease, facial trauma, or empty space after a lost tooth. In all of these cases the natural bone that was present as deteriorated to the point that it can no longer support the implants itself.
Is Bone Grafting Right for You?
At PRECiDENT, we believe that your smile is a part of your identity. It allows others to start to see who you are. That’s why we want to help you create the smile that you want. If you would like more information about the grafting procedure or you would like to schedule a consulation with one of our specialists, please feel free to click the button below. Our doctors would be glad to answer any questions about this process that you may have and work with you to determine what your next steps are.