A dental implant is a revolutionary tooth replacement solution that offers numerous benefits for patients with edentulous (missing natural teeth). Implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a secure long-lasting fit that doesn’t require messy adhesives.
However, for a dental implant to be successful, patients need to have enough healthy bone tissue to support the implant post. Otherwise, the dental implant will be unable to fuse properly with the jawbone, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Your dentist may recommend a bone graft procedure if you have insufficient jawbone. Bone grafting for dental implants is a surgical procedure involving transplanted bone tissue used to build up the existing bone structure. This can be done using either artificial materials or donor tissue.
Once the bone has been sufficiently built up, the patient can then move forward with receiving their dental implants.
Why is Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Used?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to replace or rebuild bones that are not strong enough to support a dental implant. It is often recommended for patients with missing teeth for a prolonged period or jaw bone deterioration due to decay, abscess, or gum disease.
The bone graft procedure is often used to increase jawbone thickness in the upper jaw, which is necessary for osseointegration (the process by which the implant fuses with the bone).
In some cases, a sinus lift procedure may be necessary to increase jawbone thickness in the upper jaw. This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material to the area.
Sinus lifts are generally used when the dental implant has insufficient bone height in the upper jaw.
Types of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Different bone graft techniques are used depending on the patient’s needs. The type of graft will be determined by the severity of the bone loss and the location of the dental implant.
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Bone Block Graft
This involves taking a small block of bone from another area of the patient’s body and transplanting it to the area where the dental implant will be placed. The bone block is usually taken from the chin, hip, or tibia. These types of bone grafts are typically used for sinus lift procedures.
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Socket Preservation
A socket preservation graft is used to preserve the bone around a tooth that is being extracted. This type of graft involves placing a graft in the socket immediately after the tooth is extracted. The graft helps preserve the socket’s shape and prevent bone resorption, saving bone for a future dental implant.
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Ridge Augmentation
A ridge augmentation is used to build up the bone in the jaw. It is often used to correct defects or injuries that have resulted in bone loss. Ridge augmentations can also be used to increase jawbone thickness for the dental implant.
Materials Used for Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
A bone graft is the best way to sufficiently prepare the jawbone and facilitate adequate osseointegration between the jaw and the dental implant post. There are four main types of grafting materials used, depending on your overall health and immune system:
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Autograft
It is the tissue that is taken from the patient’s own body. The most common type of autograft is bone taken from the hip or rib. The advantage of using autograft is that there is a low risk of rejection since it is the patient’s own tissue. The disadvantage is that a second surgical site is required to harvest the bone.
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Allograft
It is the bone that is taken from a donor (cadaver). The allograft is sterilised and processed before being used. The advantage of using allograft is that there is no second surgical site required. However, there is a minimal risk of infection or rejection.
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Xenograft
A xenograft is bone tissue taken from an animal donor, typically a cow or a pig. The xenograft is processed to isolate the bone cells before placement. A xenograft acts as a scaffold for the patient’s own cells to grow on. The disadvantage is that there may be some immunologic reaction to the animal tissue.
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Alloplast
It is a synthetic bone substitute material. The alloplast is either resorbable (dissolves over time) or non-resorbable (does not dissolve over time). The advantage of using an alloplast is that it does not require a second surgical site. However, it may not be as strong as autograft or allograft and may not fuse successfully to the patient’s bone.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Success Rate
The average success rate for a bone graft procedure is relatively high, with studies reporting rates of up to 95%. The success rate for a dental implant placed after a successful bone graft is also significantly higher, with studies reporting rates between 95 and 99%.
However, the success rate is determined by several factors, including the type of graft used, the health and age of the patient, and the surgeon’s experience.
A clean and sterile environment is also essential for preventing infection during a bone graft and increasing the success rate. At No Gaps Dental, we take every measure to ensure a hygienic environment, from using sterile instruments to using hand sanitiser.
Hand sanitiser is a vital tool in preventing the spread of bacteria. Using hand sanitiser before and after every procedure can help to reduce the risk of infection.
Visit No Gaps Dental for a Bone Graft Consultation
If you’re considering a bone graft, it’s essential to consult with a qualified dental professional. Visit No Gaps Dental for a consultation to help you determine whether a bone graft is right for you.
During your consultation, our team can assess your individual needs, use state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, and explain the procedure in detail. We’ll also answer any questions about your comfort and safety. To book a consultation, use our convenient online scheduling tool or call us on (02) 8007 6727.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Bone grafting materials in dentoalveolar reconstruction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6354279/
Autogenous bone block in the treatment of teeth with hopeless prognosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3636832/