Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a commonly performed dental procedure by dentists around the world to repair or restore jawbone. This may be necessary when one tooth has been lost or extracted and there are no longer enough jawbone fragments to support other teeth or dental implants. In this article, we'll explain what bone grafting is, why it's needed, what happens if you don't do it, how it's done, what recovery looks like for those who receive it, and more.
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What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves inserting artificial bone material into the jawbone in an effort to replace lost bone due to injury, disease or dental work. The procedure helps stimulate new bone growth around the area and provides stability for dental implant placement or other restorative procedures.
Why does bone grafting need to be performed?
Bone grafting is often recommended when a tooth is lost or extracted and the jawbone begins to resorb or shrink. Left untreated, this could result in a loss of bone density which affects its structure. If left untreated, surrounding teeth may shift out of place too, affecting the patient's bite and potentially leading to additional dental issues.
Bone grafting is often prescribed for patients who have suffered significant bone loss due to periodontitis, a severe gum disease that can cause tooth loss and damage. It may also be done to repair damage caused by injuries or trauma.
What will happen if you don't take action?
If bone grafting is delayed when necessary, patients may experience a range of consequences, such as:
- Difficulty Eating and Speaking: Bone density loss may make it difficult for patients to chew food properly, while also impacting their ability to speak clearly.
- Shifting Teeth: As the jawbone deteriorates, teeth that were once supported by it may shift out of alignment. This can create discomfort in the patient's bite.
- Further bone loss: Without stimulation from a healthy jawbone, bone loss may continue to progress, leading to more extensive damage and the need for restorative dental procedures in the future.
How is Bone Grafting Performed?
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used for more complex procedures. On average, the procedure takes an hour or two depending on how much bone needs to be grafted.
There are various types of bone grafting procedures, such as:
- Autogenous Grafts: Autogenous bone grafts are used when part of the patient's anatomy - usually from their hip - is taken.
- Allografts: This type of graft uses bone from a donor, which has been specially treated to remove any potential contaminants.
- Xenografts: This type of graft uses bone from an animal source, such as a cow.
- Synthetic Grafts: Synthetic materials can be used to replicate the characteristics of real bone.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
Bone grafting typically leads to a mild recovery period, with most patients only feeling minor discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Patients may be advised to abstain from certain foods or activities during this time in order to minimize the risk of infection or further damage to the area, and pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort experienced.
Due to the extent of the graft, patients may need to refrain from strenuous physical activity for several weeks afterward in order to allow the new bone to fully integrate with existing structure. Follow-up appointments with the dentist will usually be scheduled to monitor healing progress and guarantee a successful graft.
Bone grafting is a commonly performed dental procedure to repair or restore jaw bone density. This may be necessary when one tooth is lost or extracted and the jawbone can no longer support remaining teeth or dental implants. Left untreated, bone loss can lead to further complications and more extensive restorative dental treatments in the future. Bone grafting generally provides safe and effective results that help rebuild bone density while supporting long-term dental health.