BONE GRAFT

If you are having a dental implant but do not have sufficient bone in your upper or lower jaws to place a dental implant, a bone graft or augmentation may be recommended by your implantologist.

what is a bone graft

A dental bone graft is a procedure used to build up or regenerate bone in the jaw to support dental implants or improve oral health. The process involves placing bone material into areas where the bone is insufficient or has deteriorated. This procedure is often necessary for patients who have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or trauma. This procedure will involve using a natural bone substitute such as Bio-Oss to replace lost bone.

Depending on the extent of your bone loss, you may require one of the following procedures:

  • Simultaneous augmentation - done at the same time as your implant placement.

  • Staged bone graft - done 6 months before your implant placement if you have extensive bone loss.

why i may need a bone graft

Our natural teeth have roots which are fused into our jaw bone. The dynamic action of our teeth on a daily basis stimulates the bone in our jaw to maintain and continue regenerating healthy bone. Once a tooth is lost with its associated roots, the bone in that area is not stimulated as much as it once used to. This can lead to bone loss and resorption in the area.

A bone graft uses a natural bone substitute to replace lost bone, to help accommodate for your dental implant to be placed

  • Local Anaesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area where the graft will be placed. This means you shouldn’t feel pain during the surgery itself. However, you might experience some pressure or sensation as the procedure progresses.

    Sedation Options: For patients who are anxious or prefer a more comfortable experience, sedation options (intravenous sedation) are available, which can help you feel more relaxed. Click here for more information

  • Initial Healing: The initial healing period typically takes a few weeks. During this time, the bone graft material begins to integrate with your natural bone.

    Full Integration: Complete bone healing and integration can take several months. The exact time frame depends on the type of graft material used, the location of the graft, and your overall health.

  • Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Following your dentist’s care instructions and taking prescribed antibiotics can help mitigate this risk.

    Graft Failure: In rare cases, the bone graft may not integrate properly with the existing bone, which might require additional procedures or adjustments.

  • Yes, in some cases, a dental implant can be placed at the same time as a bone graft, a procedure known as “immediate implant placement with simultaneous bone grafting.” This approach can be beneficial in certain situations but depends on the specific conditions of your jawbone and overall oral health.

    Our implantologist can determine whether this is possible for your specific case. Click here to book your consultation