Dental implants are a common and effective solution for missing teeth. However, in some cases, the jawbone may not be strong enough to support a dental implant. In these situations, a bone graft can be used to build up the jawbone and make it strong enough to hold an implant. Bone grafting is a simple surgical procedure that can help restore the strength and structure of the jawbone.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is an important step for many individuals considering dental implant treatment if their jawbone is compromised due to infection or trauma.
Bone grafting strengthens and builds up the surrounding bone tissue that supports the new implant to support and ensure the longevity and stability of the implanted tooth.
Thanks to bone grafting techniques that restore the bone structure, patients can achieve healthy and durable results with natural-looking dental implants.
The different types of bone grafting procedures
Depending on the complexity of bone degeneration, bone graft procedures, bone graft materials and bone graft techniques vary greatly. A bone graft material is chosen on a case-by-case basis
Autograft is a procedure in which existing bone is taken from another part of the patient’s body, usually an area where there is healthy bone tissue and strong bone mass.
Autografting allows the surgeon to harvest a portion of existing bone and transfer it to the recipient site in the jaw.
This type of bone graft has a high success rate due to it being from the patient’s own body, and so being able to integrate easily and quickly.
An allograft uses donated human bone tissue that has been carefully preserved and processed in an FDA-approved facility to reduce any risk of disease transmission.
Alloplast bone graft procedure utilises synthetic material instead of organic bone tissue. This artificial bone tissue is created in a laboratory environment and has customisable properties that mimic the same characteristics and abilities as natural bone tissues.
Xenogenic bone tissue, which is taken from bovine tissue sources, is a bone grafting material that offers superior strength and durability when compared to other types of grafts.
It consists of purified bovine bone that has been carefully treated and processed to ensure it is safe for use on the site of dental implant placement.
The benefits of bone grafting
Dental bone graft procedures have seen tremendous success and benefit in the field of dental surgery.
Bone grafts allow for improved oral health outcomes, particularly for individuals suffering from gum disease. Bone grafting for dental surgery enhances the stability of the affected area, helping reduce bone loss, helps maintain healthy gum tissue and greatly improves jawbone shape and strength in cases where trauma or disease has majorly affected it.
Bone graft for dental implants has been perfected over the years through advanced surgical techniques, enabling optimum results with minimal levels of surgery and discomfort. Ultimately, bone grafting is a safe and reliable method to restore order and health to our mouths, affecting us positively both aesthetically and functionally.
What is the success rate of a bone graft?
Bone grafting is a common procedure. With the help of modern-day technology and advancements in techniques, it has a success rate of up to 99%, depending on the type of graft implanted, the skill of the dental professional and individual cases.
However, bone grafting is categorised as a surgical or invasive procedure and, like any invasive procedure, carries risks, though these risks are minimal.
The most common risks associated with this are bleeding and infections at the surgical site.
Some factors that can affect the success of a bone graft are
- Periodontal disease
- Smoking
- Osteoporosis
- General health conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders and Immune system deficiencies.
Note that all these are easily managed by competent doctors and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
How to prepare for a bone grafting procedure
If you’re undergoing dental implant treatment, bone grafting may be necessary to ensure the procedure is successful.
To prepare for this procedure, it’s important to pay attention to pre-operative instructions from the friendly and caring dentists at Toothsome, your local dental clinic.
We could possibly perform some general dentistry procedures such as cleaning and examination for decay or periodontal disease.
We also recommend that patients undergoing bone grafting should make certain lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from smoking for a few months before undergoing the surgery and should ensure an overall healthy lifestyle in the weeks leading up.
You are encouraged to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with our knowledgeable dentists in detail and ask about taking any medications before the procedure – for example, whether antibiotics are necessary.
Remember, any information you give us can be of great help in tailoring a treatment that is perfectly suited for your individual needs and health and ensuring a successful outcome.
Lastly, make sure you have arrangements in place for someone who can take you home after treatment.
Preparing well for this type of procedure will help make it as successful and comfortable as possible.
What to expect after the procedure
If post-surgery advice is followed exactly, you can expect to notice a decrease in symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Depending on the procedure, it may take several weeks or months for the body to fully absorb and heal from the procedure, so taking time to rest and heal is necessary.
You will also be required to take various measures that will increase the chances of the graft taking well, such as 
- maintaining good oral hygiene
- taking medication prescribed for this treatment
- not smoking
- giving up or limiting alcoholic drinks
- giving up recreational and illegal drugs
- managing treatment of other medical conditions such as diabetes or blood disorders
- avoiding any form of radiation
After the recovery is complete, we may prescribe other treatments, such as physical therapy, to best improve any lingering after-effects.
As with any significant medical procedure, you must visit our clinic for follow-up appointments and follow all advice completely so you have the best chance of bone graft integration.
Start Your Journey Towards a Beautiful Smile at Toothsome, the Periodontics and Implant and Bone Graft Specialists!
If you’re looking for a specialised dental practice that can provide you with the best in implant and bone graft services, Toothsome is the place for you!
Our two convenient locations in Sydney feature state-of-the-art equipment, experienced specialists, and 5-star reviews. Dr Patty Chou, Dr David Willis and Dr Rohan Rodricks are experts in periodontology and implantology and skilled in all the latest techniques to ensure a successful treatment plan and recovery process when it comes to improving your smile with implants and bone grafts.
From start to finish, our caring staff will be there with you every step of the way to answer any questions you may have and make sure that your experience with us is as comfortable as possible.
We use only the highest quality materials and follow evidence-based protocols so that we can guarantee the best outcome for our patients.
So don’t wait – contact Toothsome today to get started on your journey towards achieving a beautiful smile!
- Sydney CBD on (02) 9159 3728
- Baulkham Hills on (02) 9158 6637
- Chatswood on (02) 8203 8786
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Systematic analysis on the efficacy of bone enhancement methods used for success in dental implants – PMC | National Library of Medicinehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5601489/ Dental Bone Graft: Process, Healing & What It Is | Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft Bone Grafting | Johns Hopkins Medicine
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-grafting
