If you are getting dental implants, your dentist may have discovered you have insufficient jawbone density and recommended bone grafts for tooth implants. Bone grafting is necessary for patients who do not have enough bone tissue to support dental implants.
The bone grafting procedure stimulates bone tissue growth and makes it possible to embed the dental implant site with a dental implant post. If you need bone grafting, you can learn more about the type of graft you may receive and how long to wait until you can get dental implants.
Do All Dental Implants Require Bone Grafting?
A dental implant is an excellent long-term dental replacement option if you lose a tooth because of illness, accident, or periodontal disease. However, these conditions can occasionally lead to injury to the jawbone.
If you are missing teeth for more than a year, there can be up to 25% jawbone loss due to bone resorption. Bone resorption makes dental implants difficult to place because the bone is deficient in quality or quantity.
Sometimes, patients may be hesitant to undergo a bone grafting operation since recovery time ranges from three months to a year. However, surgery for bone grafting is a standard procedure in dental practices around the world.
Over 50% of 1,512 patients in a clinical study required a bone graft procedure. Having a bone graft procedure is a worthwhile investment so that you can get the most out of your dental implants.
Types of Bone Graft Procedure for Tooth Implants
The purpose of a bone graft is to thicken and increase the jawbone to place dental implants. Dental implants act like a tooth root. So, they must fuse with the bone and provide a solid foundation for the crown to function properly.
The type of bone graft you receive is determined by the extent of your bone loss and the site of your missing tooth.
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Socket grafting
Socket grafting, or socket preservation, aims to maintain or prevent bone loss in the alveolar bone, the socket that anchors the missing tooth. It involves grafting the bone onto the socket region soon after a tooth extraction to minimise the risk of bone loss after tooth removal. This creates stronger bone support for the dental implant to be placed within 3 to 6 months after this bone grafting procedure.
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Lateral ridge preservation
A patient may undergo a lateral ridge preservation procedure if their jawbone cannot support a dental implant. This procedure enlarges the jawbone to place a dental implant.
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Block bone grafting
Patients with substantial jawbone deficiency and who require several dental implants may receive block bone grafting. Your dentist takes a small block of bone tissue from the back of your jaw or uses a donor’s bone tissue. Then, they place the block bone over the site of the missing teeth and add small titanium screws to hold the bone in place.
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Sinus lifting
Patients with thin sinus walls that can’t support a dental implant on their own may benefit from this procedure when they require a dental implant in the upper jaw. Sinus lifts stimulate bone growth within the maxillary sinus to increase bone thickness to place dental implants.
Your dentist elevates the maxillary sinus floor and grafts the extra bone to provide enough bone to support future dental implants.
What to Expect When Getting a Bone Graft for Tooth Implants?
Bone grafts for tooth implants require the extraction of bone from another section of your jaw. The dentist can also use bone tissue from a deceased donor to avoid developing a second surgical site. In some cases, bone grafts are based on the bovine or equine bone called xenografts.
Light bleeding, minor discomfort, and swelling may occur for 3 to 4 days after your bone grafting surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications can help ease minor discomfort. Your dentist can advise you on how to take care of yourself after your bone graft surgery, such as eating soft foods and sleeping on an elevated pillow to promote healing.
You should avoid vigorous physical activity after your bone grafting procedure to avoid slowing the healing process.
Sterilisation Protocol During Dental Procedures
We assure our patients and employees that all treatments and procedures, including bone grafting, are done in a safe and clean environment.
After each use of our equipment and devices, we follow strict disinfection and cleaning protocols. Our staff sterilise all our devices to eradicate any bacteria and clean all our treatment rooms between patient visits with clinical detergent.
We follow the Dental Board of Australia’s guidelines for infection control. Our dental practitioners must use hand sanitisers to protect patients, staff members, and visitors. Besides using hand sanitisers, we take serious measures to thoroughly wash our hands with soap when they are dirty and immediately before and after wearing gloves in every patient interaction. We emphasise using hand sanitisers to prevent the spread of infection at all our dental practice locations.
When Can I Get a Dental Implant After Bone Grafting?
Dentists must wait for the bone graft to fuse with the existing bone in your mouth until they can place a dental implant. The bone growth timeline varies from person to person, depending on your oral health and immune system.
It is not unusual for a bone transplant to take anywhere from three months to a year for it to fuse with the native bones of your mouth. You will need frequent dental visits until your dentist determines you are ready for a dental implant.
Book An Appointment To Get Your Smile Back With No Gaps Dental
For many people, getting a bone graft for tooth implants is necessary to prevent dental implant rejection. The only way to find out if you need a bone graft for a tooth implant is to schedule a consultation. A dentist can determine if you need a bone graft during the consultation. They can also decide what type of bone graft you require before you receive dental implants.
Reach out to us today on (02) 8806 0227 to schedule your consultation, or book an appointment online at any of our 15 dental locations. By getting dental implants, you can enjoy a healthier mouth and a smile you are proud to share.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.