Dental bone grafting is a procedure that involves taking a piece from another area of your body and using it to repair or rebuild damaged teeth or jawbone.
When someone has lost some of their tooth structure due to decay or injury, often they may opt to undergo dental implants instead of dentures. While both options offer benefits, each comes with its drawbacks, too.
However, this does not mean you should go for the implants if dental bone grafts are available at your dentist’s office. Your dentist will be happy to explain how dental bone grafts work for your particular case.
While each patient’s situation is different, there are certain things to consider when opting for dental bone grafts instead of dental implants. Here we explore dental bone grafting and how to recover after the procedure.
When Do You Need Dental Bone Grafts?
While every person’s mouth is unique and varies in shape and size, sometimes people develop cavities near the gum line. These can range from tiny pits to larger holes, covered up by regular tooth brushing. However, once the gaps become large enough, bacteria start growing inside and eventually create an infection.
Unfortunately, once infections occur, it becomes extremely difficult to treat without removing the affected tooth. The only solution to save your tooth is root canal therapy, but even then, the damage done in previous years cannot always be undone.
You would probably need to have your entire tooth removed in these cases. Getting dental implants might be a better option for those who want to avoid the pain and risks involved with root canal therapy.
Is Dental Bone Grafting Right For Me?
Dental bone grafts are commonly used for patients with advanced gum disease who have lost most of their teeth and those who have been diagnosed with ankylosis, a condition that causes their teeth to become fused. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, you may be a good candidate for dental bone grafting. At ToothHQ, our dentists will perform a thorough examination to determine the best approach for your particular case.
Are There Different Types Of Bone Grafts?
There are two types of bone grafts: autografts and allografts. Both are used for various purposes, such as filling holes in bones, repairing defects, and spinal fusion procedures. Autografts are taken from one part of the body and transplanted into another area. Allografts are taken either from someone who has died or from an animal.
Is It Possible To Have Implants Without Bone Grafts?
Sometimes, implant therapy involves placing dental implants directly into bone areas that do not contain enough living bone. If this is the case, we may need to supplement these areas with artificial bone. We often place synthetic materials like Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), Hydroxyapatite, Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) to fill void spaces in between osseous structures.
The Dental Bone Grafting Process
After tooth extraction, bone grafting is used to replace lost teeth. This process requires two separate surgeries. First, a donor site is prepared where new bone tissue is harvested from another part of the body. Then, the grafted bone is placed into the recipient site, which contains a hole left after extractions. Once both sites heal, the bone becomes fused together, filling the gap.
General anaesthesia may be required during surgery to keep patients comfortable during the lengthy operation. The entire procedure typically lasts 3-6 hours, depending on how many times the graft is needed. Patients usually need about two weeks off work.
Recovery from a Dental Bone Graft
You will be given antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also be given painkillers to help you manage any discomfort you may experience. After the surgery, your dentist will place a temporary splint on your mouth and may instruct you to wear it for a few weeks.
During this time, you should avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and eat soft foods that can easily be swallowed. Once the graft has successfully integrated into your jawbone, which takes up to 12 months, the splint can be removed, and you can resume regular eating habits.
How Long Does A Dental Bone Graft Take?
Dental bone grafting is done in two stages. The first stage involves harvesting bone from another part of your body, such as your hip or rib. The harvested bone is then prepared in a lab and shaped to fit into the gap in your jaw.
The second stage involves placing the prepared graft into the gap and waiting for it to fuse with your jawbone. The entire procedure can take up to two months to complete.
Are There Any Precautions I Should Follow After Getting A Bone Graft?
After dental bone grafting, you should avoid chewing on the affected side for about two weeks. Also, avoid smoking and drinking hot beverages such as tea or coffee. Also, you should not eat hard foods or sticky foods like nuts or candy until your grafted area has healed completely and is strong enough to take the stress.
What Happens After A Dental Bone Graft?
After your dental bone graft is complete, you will be placed on a soft diet. This means you will be able to eat soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt, but you should avoid hard foods such as apples, carrots, and nuts.
This is because chewing hard foods could cause the bone graft to detach from your jawbone. Once the bone graft has successfully integrated with your jawbone, which takes about 12 months, you can resume eating everyday foods.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bone Grafting?
Dental bone grafting has many benefits, including some of the following;
- Provides immediate comfort
- Eliminates pain caused by nerve endings remaining in the space
- Reduces risk of infection
- Prevents further decay and loosening of neighbouring teeth
- Helps prevent your jawbone from being reabsorbed back into your skull.
The Benefits Of Dental Bone Regeneration Technology
In recent years, there has been significant progress made when it comes to the field of restorative dentistry. As technology advances, we continue to make incredible advancements in materials and treatments that allow us to offer more natural-looking results in less invasive ways. One area where technology has changed drastically is in the field of regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine uses biological substances found naturally within the human body, specifically cells, and proteins, to regenerate damaged tissue. This new technique allows us to produce living tissues rather than mechanical replacement parts. We can now create highly accurate artificial tooth structures that look entirely natural and function like the original tooth they replaced with this technology.
Regenerating Your Jawbone Using Dental Bone Grafts
Today’s dentists are pioneers in regenerative medicine, using techniques that allow them to restore missing teeth, repair periodontal ligament damage and treat jawbone loss due to diseases such as osteoporosis.
Our team aims to provide each patient with customized solutions tailored to meet their unique needs by combining modern techniques with the latest research into cell biology and growth factors. We use biomaterials that mimic the exact composition of natural bone, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with existing bone structures.
How To Recover From Dental Bone Grafting?
When you undergo dental bone grafting, it takes about six months for the bones to heal completely. The whole process usually hurts during this period, which can be uncomfortable at times.
However, after the procedure is done, you should feel much better and start healing faster. Although no one likes going through such pain, you need to remember that dental bone grafting has its benefits. This surgery helps you avoid losing teeth and go through extensive cosmetic procedures like implants.
Some people can even return to normal activities within days of the procedure. But, if you’re facing any health issues related to your mouth, consult our doctor today!
When To Schedule Dental Bone Graft At ToothHQ
ToothHQ offers a wide array of procedures and services, including cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, general dentistry, orthodontics, endodontic treatment, and much more! Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss if you are a suitable candidate for dental bone grafts.
