Bone Grafting

Dental bone grafting is a common surgical procedure that is used to help rebuild or reconstruct your jaw bone. It involves taking bone tissue from another area of the body, donor bone or using synthetic material to repair areas of missing or damaged bone in the jaw. Bone grafting is done to provide support for dental implants as well as help improve the appearance of your smile.

At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, the success of your dental implants is our main concern, and it relies heavily on the quality and quantity of your jaw bone. Through bone grafting, we can reconstruct or fill in areas of missing or damaged bone, restoring it to a suitable condition for dental implants. If you are searching for bone grafting in Deer Park or Barrington, dental implants Deer Park or oral surgeon Deer Park, we can help. Call us at (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form for a free consultation.

Consequences of Bone Loss

The jaw bone is essential for maintaining the structure of your teeth and supporting dental implants. If the jaw bone is injured or a tooth is lost and not replaced, it can lead to bone loss and other oral health complications. Without adequate support, you may experience shifting of your teeth, instability in your bite, and pain when chewing. Bone grafting is the only way to restore your jaw, allowing for comfortable and lasting dental implant placement.

Below are some of the potential problems that result from tooth and jaw bone loss:

  • Problems with remaining teeth, including misalignment, loosening
  • Facial collapse
  • Skin wrinkling around the mouth
  • Jaw pain (Temporomandibular joint, TMJ), facial pain, and headaches
  • Difficulty speaking and communicating
  • Sinus expansion

Am I a Candidate for a Bone Graft?

A good candidate for a dental bone graft is someone with extensive damage or even total loss of their jaw bone  due to tooth decay or gum disease. Without enough jaw bone  density, the chances of successful implant placement are greatly reduced. However, candidates who have lost one or more teeth but still have relatively healthy gums and sufficiently dense jaw bones can also benefit from a bone graft procedure prior to dental implants. The bone graft can reconstruct the surrounding area where the new tooth implant will be placed.

Dental bone grafting is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking to replace missing teeth, especially through All-on-4 procedures. Dental bone grafts are necessary for about 50% of all potential implant sites and can help reduce complications from dental surgery.

Causes of Bone Loss (Resorption)

Multiple factors can cause bone loss. Some of the most common causes of bone loss in the jaw bone  include: 

Tooth Extraction

When a tooth is extracted, the alveolar bone, or the portion of the jaw bone that anchors the teeth into the mouth, is no longer stimulated. The area around the missing tooth then begins to atrophy or shrink away. When we eat and chew, pressure is put on the jaw bone, which helps stimulate the bone and keep it healthy and strong. 

Periodontal Disease

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can cause damage and destruction to your jaw bone due to the bacteria that thrive in untreated gums. The bacteria can cause the bone to break down, making it weaker and more vulnerable to further damage. Periodontitis is one of the most common causes of bone loss in adults. 

Facial Trauma

When a tooth is knocked out or otherwise damaged due to a traumatic accident, the surrounding bone can suffer from the damage done. If the bone is not being stimulated, it can weaken the bone and cause it to deteriorate.  If a dental implant or other restoration is planned, you must restore the bone for it to be successful.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a type of bacterial infection that affects the bone and bone marrow of the jaw. If left untreated, the infection can lead to bone loss and weaken the jaw bone. 

Facial Tumors

Facial tumors, both benign and malignant, can affect the jaw bone. The affected bone needs to be removed and replaced with a bone graft to preserve the jaw bone’s structure. 

Developmental Deformities

In some cases, conditions such as cleft lip or palate can lead to bone deformities or misalignment in the jaw bone. Bone grafting can help rebuild and restore these areas of concern. 

Sinus Deficiencies

When teeth are removed from the upper jaw, there is a cavity left behind that must be filled to prevent sinus problems. Bone grafting material is used in this space for added support. 

Types of Bone Graft Materials

Autogenous Bone Grafts (Autografts)

Autogenous bone grafts are a type of  graft used for dental implants. Autogenous bone grafts are taken from another area of the body and transplanted to the area needing repair. The donor site can be from your hip, chin, or lower leg but is typically harvested from the iliac crest (the upper part of the hip bone). Autogenous bone grafts are often the best choice for bone grafting because the body is less likely to reject the bone. It typically contains healthy cells that will help stimulate regeneration. 

Allograft Bone Grafts

Allografts are taken from another person, and are our most common graft used due to the lack of need for a secondary surgical site.  These bones are processed in a lab and treated to reduce the risk of disease transmission. 

Xenograft Bone Grafts

Xenografts come from animal-derived materials. This form of grafting is not as commonly used due to potential risks such as disease transmission and rejection by the body. 

Synthetic Bone Grafts

As the name suggests, synthetic bone grafts are made from synthetic materials such as demineralized bone matrix and graft composites. Synthetic grafts are not as commonly used, but they can be a viable option when other types of grafts are not available or if the body has rejected autogenous and allogenic grafts.

The Procedure

The procedure for bone grafting typically involves several steps. First, the area of concern is anesthetized and then prepared for the graft. Next, the graft is carefully placed into the cavity where the missing bone should be. The graft material is sealed with sutures or screws to ensure it stays in place. Once the graft is firmly in place, it must be allowed to heal and regenerate healthy bone tissue. The healing process can take several months and may require regular visits with the oral surgeon  for follow-up care.

Bone grafting is a complex procedure that requires an oral surgeon to ensure the proper placement of the graft material. It is important to talk to your oral surgeon about the best form of grafting for your particular needs and to follow their post-surgery instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome

The Healing Process

After you’ve undergone a bone grafting procedure, several steps need to be taken for the graft to take hold. First and foremost, your surgeon will likely put you on antibiotics to prevent infection of the affected area. This is especially important since bone grafts take time to heal and fuse to your natural bone structure.

It takes several months for the bone graft to fully integrate with your existing jaw bone. Depending on the severity of your tooth loss or facial trauma, this process can range from 3-6 months. You may be eager to continue with your treatment, but it is vital that the healing phase is not rushed. Once the graft has fully healed and fused with your existing bone, you can move on to dental procedures such as implants or dentures. 

What Are the Risks?

Bone grafting is generally a safe procedure, but it does come with some risks. The most common risks associated with bone grafting include infections, bleeding, and nerve damage. If you are considering having a bone graft performed, be sure to talk to your surgeon about the potential risks and make sure that you understand what kind of side effects you may experience. 

Is a Bone Graft Painful?

Most people experience some form of discomfort after having a bone graft, but the amount of pain varies from person to person. Generally, the amount of bone collected and grafted is minimal, resulting in a short period of discomfort. However, it is important to note that bone grafts are done under anesthesia. If you experience discomfort after the procedure, it can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers or a prescription from your surgeon.

Summary

  • Dental bone grafting is a common surgical procedure that is used to help rebuild or reconstruct your jaw bone.
  • Bone grafting is the only way to restore your jaw, allowing for comfortable and lasting dental implant placement.
  • A good candidate for a dental bone graft is someone with extensive damage or even total loss of their jaw bone due to tooth decay or gum disease.
  • Causes of bone loss include:
    • Tooth extraction
    • Periodontal disease
    • Facial trauma
    • Osteomyelitis
    • Facial tumors
    • Developmental deformities
    • Sinus deficiencies
  • Types of bone graft material:
    • Autogenous 
    • Allograft
    • Xenograft
    • Synthetic materials
  • The healing process can take several months and may require regular visits with the dentist for follow-up care.
  • Follow your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.
  • Once the graft has fully healed and fused with your existing bone, you can move on to dental procedures such as implants or dentures.

Strong Bones and Healthy Smiles

Our patients and their oral health are our top priority, and we strive to provide the highest quality of care to help protect your smile. If you want to learn more about bone grafting or have any questions about the procedure, talk to one of our experienced oral surgeons. They can answer all your questions and help you determine if this is the best option for your particular needs.

If you are searching for bone grafting in Deer Park or Barrington, oral surgeon Deer Park or dental implants Deer Park, we can help. If you are searching for an oral surgeon near me, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long for Bone Graft To Heal Before Implant?

The amount of time it takes for a bone graft to heal before implant placement can vary depending on the size and complexity of the graft. Generally, a bone graft can take up to 3-6 months to fully integrate and fuse with your existing jaw bone structure.

Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

Bone grafting is necessary when your bone structure has weakened or deteriorated due to trauma, infection, or advanced periodontal disease. It can also be used to increase the amount of bone in an area for implant placement. Only your oral surgeon can determine if a bone graft is necessary for your particular needs.

What Is the Success Rate of Bone Grafting?

The success rate of bone grafting can vary from patient to patient, but it generally has an extremely high success rate when performed by an experienced oral surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with more information on the expected success rate for your particular bone graft procedure.

How Soon Can I Brush My Teeth After a Bone Graft?

You can brush and floss your teeth after the procedure. Be careful around the surgical site and brush and floss gently.

How Can I Speed Up the Healing Process?

Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and maintain good oral hygiene. It is important to note that the healing process cannot be rushed, and everyone heals at a different rate, so it’s important to be patient.

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