Bone Grafting

Bone grafting

What is bone grafting?

• Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone or bone-like material to the jaw to build up bone tissue
• This is done to provide a better foundation for dental implants or teeth with localised gum problems. It might be a necessary procedure to ensure the success of a dental implant for you. Other denture procedures may occasionally benefit from bone graft, this will be discussed by your dentist on an ad-hoc basis.
• A surgery is performed to expose the existing bone, and the bone graft is packed into the region, before the gum is closed back up to allow time to heal
• The bone graft will serve as a scaffold for new bone to grow and integrate with the remaining bone

Do I need bone grafting?

• Bone grafting is most commonly performed before a dental implant and will be considered if you do not have sufficient bone at the implant site. Your dentist or oral surgeon will help you to determine if you need a bone graft during initial consultation.
• There are a few reasons why you might not have sufficient bone
  • A history of gum disease might have reduced the amount of bone over time
  • It might have been a long time between when the tooth came out and when you are looking to have an implant. Over this time, with no tooth at the site, the bone naturally reduces and recedes
  • There might be vital structures in proximity to the bone, such as your sinus or a nerve bundle, and more bone might be needed to ensure the implant is clear of these vital structures

What does the procedure involve?

• An initial consultation for the dental implant with your oral surgeon will be an important first step. During this consultation, a thorough examination will be performed and this usually includes taking x-rays and other imaging tests if required. At this stage, your oral surgeon will be able to discuss the options you have and inform you if they recommend bone grafting in your specific situation
• During the treatment day, you will be sufficiently numbed with local anaesthesia. The option of conscious sedation is available if required.
• A small cut is made on your gum in the region where the implant is to be placed.
• Bone grafting material will be packed and shaped to fit the specific area. It will then be secured in place with a sheet of material. These materials are biocompatible.
• The initial cut into your gum will be closed with stitches to allow healing
• Following the surgery, the healing period can range from several weeks to several months. It is important to give the bone sufficient time to heal and integrate instead of rushing treatment to create a good foundation.

What are the risks associated with bone grafting? 

• This is a technique-sensitive oral surgical procedure and should be performed by a trained and experienced specialist. Your oral surgeon will be best able to discuss the options available and the risks involved in different treatments
• Pain, bleeding, bruising and swelling is to be expected as part of the natural healing process following any surgical procedure
• The risk of infection is always present with surgery, and measures will be taken to minimise the risk as much as possible
• There is a great degree of surgical precision required and it is important to seek this treatment from a specialist. They can help you minimise the risk of the following
  • There is a risk of failure of the bone graft and integration, which might necessitate a second procedure or considering other treatment options
  • There is a risk of nerve damage if the nerves near the surgery site are disturbed