Bone Grafting Basics

According to HealthLine, bone grafting is a “transplanting of bone tissue that is beneficial in fixing bones that are damaged from trauma, or problem joints. It’s also useful for growing bone around an implanted device.” Since its discovery, bone grafting has revolutionized and opened new possibilities for many areas of the medical field. When it comes to dentistry, bone grafting is a key procedure that makes dental implants possible for a notable number of patients who would otherwise not qualify for this unrivaled solution in teeth replacement.

The success of a dental implant relies heavily on its ability to be fully enveloped and fused to the underlying jawbone. If the jawbone is lacking in height or density, the implant will fail. Unfortunately, the jawbone can deteriorate or lose structure due to previous tooth loss, gum disease or trauma. It is even possible to have a congenital defect that involves insufficient jawbone. Patients may be told that they are not candidates for dental implants due to the poor bone health. However, bone grafting is the gateway procedure to make it possible!

In simplest terms, a bone grafting procedure involves rebuilding your jawbone enough to support a dental implant. Don’t let this intimidate you. Here are a few basic facts about bone grafting to put your mind at ease:

Bone grafting is a simple, routine procedure.

Bone grafting is a very common oral surgery. Not only is it a straightforward procedure, but it can typically be performed in the dental office under local anesthesia and/or conscious sedation.

A variety of grafting materials can be used.

Like any type of bone grafting for your body, the graft can be termed an allograft or autograft. In other words, it can come from a donor source (tissue bank) or your own body. When it comes to bone grafting for dental implants, most patients are able to use a small amount of bone from their hip, jaw, or lower knee.

Bone grafting allows for your body to rebuild itself.

After placing the graft, your body’s natural healing and regenerative abilities kick into gear. Your body will use your new bone graft as framework or guide to grow new bone. Over time, the entire graft will be replaced with new bone.

Do you want dental implants? Does your jawbone need rebuilding first? Talk to Marietta’s most recognized implant dentists. Dr. Wayne Suway has performed countless bone grafting procedures that allow patients to have successful dental implants and an award-winning smile after missing teeth.