What is a Dental Bone Graft?

Have you ever wondered how dental implants can be securely anchored in your jawbone? The answer is through dental bone graft. Dental hygiene is not only about brushing your teeth twice a day but also about preserving your jawbone’s structural integrity. Several factors, including gum disease, trauma, or tooth loss, can lead to bone loss in the jaw. A dental bone graft can be the best action in this case. This modern procedure not only replaces the damaged bone but also creates a strong base for further dental techniques, particularly dental implants. In this blog, we will discuss what is a dental bone graft and the ins and outs of dental bone grafting.

What is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is an advanced treatment used to reconstruct or repair bone-depleted parts of the jaw. This graft can be made up of different materials, such as synthetic grafts, allografts (bone tissue provided by the donor), autografts (sourced from a patient’s bone, such as a femur), and xenografts (obtained from an animal’s bone). However, the real question is, who requires this process?

People who have experienced gum disease (like periodontitis) or tooth loss can suffer from bone loss in their jaws, which makes them ideal candidates for dental bone grafts. Also, dental implants need a strong surface to hold them in place, so this treatment is frequently required before the implants are placed. Now that you know what is a dental bone graft, let’s get into its advantages.

Advantages of Dental Bone Grafting

Beyond only replacing the damaged bone, dental bone grafting has various other perks. This advanced dentistry technique can have a big impact in the following ways:

Supports dental implants: Bone grafting for dental implants provides a robust and solid foundation for implants, guaranteeing their stability and longevity.
Restores facial contour: Losing the bone will naturally and gradually make your face appear shorter and sunken, giving you a more aged look. Bone grafting helps to restore facial contour and preserve facial aesthetics.
Better oral health and function: Maintaining good hygiene and preventing more dental problems can be made easy by restoration of facial structure
Improved functionality: A proper and robust jawbone facilitates appropriate positioning of teeth and improves chewing, speaking, and biting

Dental Bone Grafting Procedure

After understanding what is a dental bone graft, it is vital to know the dental bone grafting procedure if you are considering getting this treatment. The modern technique is meticulously designed and carried out to guarantee excellent results.

During the Initial consultation, your oral surgeon will use X-rays (OPGs) and CT scans (3D CBCT) to assess your jaw bone structure, degree of bone loss, and the required dental graft material. It’s imperative to consult with a top-notch oral surgeon for your bone graft treatment, as it is an advanced procedure.

Looking for bone grafting in NJ? Look no further than Hesed Dental Clinic. Hesed Dental Clinic offers cosmetic dentistry services, including bone grafting and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers, and general dentistry services.

General Procedure

The dental bone grafting technique involves different phases depending on the site and degree of bone loss. However, the following is a broad summary of what happens during surgery.

Numbing the area: Don’t worry about the pain because your dentist will ensure you don’t experience any pain by injecting local anesthesia to numb your gums. If you have elected to be fully sedated, your dentist can also give you drugs to put you to sleep.
Performing an incision: After numbing the surgical site, your oral surgeon will create a tiny incision to assess the alveolar bone.
Exposing the jawbone: The portion of the jawbone that requires the graft will made visible by gently and thoroughly moving your gums aside.
Disinfecting the surgical site: As per the general protocol, to avoid sepsis (bacterial invasion), the surgical site is cleaned and disinfected.
Introducing dental bone graft material: after that, the surgeon will fill up the area of bone loss with bone graft material.
Protecting the graft: A unique membrane ( collagen sponge) will be positioned over the graft to provide protection. Some membranes naturally break down on their own over time, while others can require removal during follow-up treatment.
Gum repositioning: Your gums will be carefully moved over the graft.
Closing the incision: In the end, the surgeon will close the incision with non-resorbable cytoplast sutures.

Types of Dental Bone Graft Surgery

There are several kinds of dental bone graft procedures. Consult your dentist to know the best option for you.

Ridge Augmentation:

This procedure is used when the jawbone is very thin, fragile, or atrophied due to trauma or any other pathology. Dental bone graft material is placed along the ridge of the alveolar bone to improve its density.

Sinus Lift:

Our maxillary bone (upper jaw bone) contains a hollow space called a sinus for humidification of inspired air. The alveolar bone below this sinus is naturally thinner, rendering it convenient for bacteria to enter the sinus. Therefore, a sinus lift is required when the patient undergoes upper jaw implants. This surgery includes inserting a dental bone graft behind the sinus membrane.

Socket Graft:

This is done immediately after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss and preserve the socket for a future implant. After that, artificial membranes or growth factors are placed over the socket, shortening recovery time.

Simultaneous Bone Grafting:

Implant placement and bone grafting material can occasionally be carried out at the same time if your native bone is significant enough to support the implant. This procedure can greatly reduce the time and number of surgeries required.

Things to do After Dental Bone Graft Surgery

Adequate post-operative care is essential for timely recovery. Here is how to take care of yourself after dental bone graft surgery:

First and foremost, follow your dentist’s advice and instructions.
Apply ice packs
Eat soft and bland food for the initial 3 to 4 days
Avoid alcohol for two weeks
Refrain from any contact sports
Elevate your head while sleeping for the initial few days to reduce edema.
Quit smoking or vape
Avoid brushing on the graft site for the initial few days

Looking for bone grafting in NJ? Look no further than Hesed Dental Clinic. Hesed Dental Clinic offers comprehensive services, including bone grafting and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers, and general dentistry services.

Conclusion

Dental bone grafting is a successful procedure that can restore oral health and function. After understanding the detailed answer of what is a dental bone graft, you can confidently opt for this modern technique. By investing in this treatment, you can enjoy the perks of a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Contact Hesed Dental Clinic

Do you have a toothache or think you may need a root canal? Call or find us online for a convenient appointment at Hesed Dental Clinic. Our skilled, professional staff is ready to gently and efficiently treat your dental issues. We are located at 543 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010. We look forward to helping you restore optimal dental health and a natural, beautiful, pain-free smile.

What is a Dental Bone Graft?