Table of contents
What Is a Bone Graft?
In dentistry, a bone graft is used to replace or increase the amount of strong, healthy bone in your jaw. A graft can be placed using a variety of materials and acts like a scaffold, encouraging new bone growth and enabling your own bone tissue to replace it gradually. Bone grafts may be used alongside procedures like sinus lift or pinhole surgery when addressing periodontal issues (periodontal disease, periodontitis, gingivitis).
When Is a Dental Bone Graft Required?
A dental bone graft is a common procedure that we may recommend in various situations, including the following.
- Preserving an empty tooth socket after tooth extraction.
- Increasing the height and width of your jawbone.
- Preparing your jawbone for dental implant surgery.
- Preparing your jawbone for dentures.
- Stabilizing loose teeth.
- Replacing bone destroyed by infections like gum or periodontal disease.
Types of Bone Grafting Materials
There are several types of bone grafting materials that we can use, which include:
- Autograft.
- Allograft.
- Xenograft.
- Alloplast.
- Autograft
An autograft uses your own bone, which would be taken from another site in your body, such as your hip. Once removed, the bone can be ground up or shaped so it can be accurately placed into your jawbone.
Using your own bone is advantageous because your body automatically recognizes it, eliminating the risk of rejection. The only negative aspect is that an additional procedure would be required to remove the graft, which could result in a longer recovery period afterward.
- Allograft
An allograft uses donor bone obtained from a bone bank. This is human donor bone that has been extensively tested and sterilized to ensure its safety for use.
- Xenograft
A xenograft is also made from donor bone, but it is derived from an animal. Usually, the bone is taken from pigs or cows. Like allografts, xenograft bone grafts are rigorously tested and sterilized to ensure they are safe for use.
- Alloplast
An alloplast bone graft is made from artificial materials. These materials can contain hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral. They may also contain proteins and growth factors to help encourage new bone growth.
These materials can also be combined with advanced periodontal treatments like LANAP or deep cleaning to improve overall gum and bone health.
Different Bone Grafting Techniques
There are various types of bone grafting techniques available, depending on the location and size of the jawbone deficiency.
Bone grafting options can include:
- Socket preservation.
- Ridge augmentation.
- Periodontal bone graft.
- Sinus lift.
- Socket Preservation
Socket preservation is a very common bone grafting technique where grafting material is packed into the empty socket immediately after a tooth is removed. It helps preserve the shape of the socket by filling in the empty space and preparing it for a dental implant.
In certain circumstances, we can complete a tooth extraction, socket preservation, and dental implant insertion during the same appointment.
- Ridge Augmentation
The alveolar bone is the bone that originally supported your natural teeth, and is a ridge of bone that gradually resorbs after tooth loss.
A ridge augmentation can be used to increase the height and width of the alveolar bone, usually in preparation for dental implants. At other times, a ridge augmentation may be used in preparation for dentures, thereby increasing their retention and support.
If a larger ridge augmentation is required, we may use a block of bone that is inserted and screwed into place.
- Periodontal Bone Graft
Severe periodontal disease can destroy the bone around teeth, causing them to feel loose in their sockets. A periodontal bone graft can be used to restore this missing bone, helping to stabilize loose teeth.
- Sinus Lift
A sinus lift or sinus augmentation is used when replacing the upper back teeth with dental implants. Often, the jawbone is thinner and weaker in this area, and a sinus lift increases the quality and quantity of bone available for implants.
W & H Piezomed for Minimally Invasive Bone Surgery
If you require a more advanced treatment, such as bone grafting, you can be assured that we will utilize the best and most appropriate technologies, including our Piezomed.
This technology utilizes ultrasonic vibrations to cut through bone while leaving surrounding soft tissues unharmed. Using this device helps provide a minimally invasive procedure that is much gentler than traditional techniques.
The Procedure for Bone Grafting Step-By-Step
Your dental bone grafting procedure is customized for you, so it will likely differ slightly from the process outlined below.
Step One: Dental Exam & Diagnostics
A dental exam helps us identify any deficiencies in your jawbone. Detailed diagnostic imaging will include a cone-beam CT scan and digital X-rays, enabling us to further assess your jawbone.
These images enable us to quantify the amount of bone missing and that needs to be replaced. We can determine precisely how much bone grafting material is needed.
We can also discuss the bone grafting procedure with you in more detail, including the types of bone grafting material we recommend. We may also recommend sedation dentistry for dental bone grafting, particularly when the bone graft is larger in size.
Step Two: Dental Bone Grafting Surgery
Your jawbone will be fully numbed before we begin this procedure, and if you have opted for sedation dentistry, then it will be provided continuously during your treatment.
Our periodontists will make a small incision in your gum to expose the bone underneath. They will then add a suitable amount of bone grafting material and likely cover it with a special membrane. The membrane is to ensure faster healing and prevent gum tissue from growing into the grafting material.
The incision in your gum is then stitched shut, and we will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth during the healing process.
Step Three: Recovery & Healing
Your dental bone graft recovery should be smooth and uneventful. Initial healing after a bone graft takes about a week, but it can take several months before the bone graft fully integrates with your jawbone and is replaced with your own bone.
After bone grafting surgery, it’s not uncommon to see some small bone fragments emerge from the grafting site during the first few days. These look like grains of salt or sand.
Common side effects after bone grafting include slight tenderness, bruising, and swelling. Any dental bone graft pain or discomfort should be easily manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, ensure you take them as instructed and complete the course to prevent the risk of postoperative infection.
You will be provided with more detailed information on how to care for your specific dental bone graft. Additionally, we are always here to help you further with any questions or concerns.
Dental Bone Graft Complications
The risk of dental bone graft complications is low, and we utilize the most advanced techniques, which are provided in accordance with the strictest infection control protocols. However, with any surgical treatment, there is always a small risk of problems, which could include:
- Worsening pain after bone grafting.
- Gum recession.
- Pus buildup around the surgery site.
- Dental bone graft failure.
The risk of failure can be higher if you smoke or have any medical conditions that could affect healing. We can discuss any potential risk factors with you during treatment planning and help you take precautions to minimize these risks as much as possible.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096