What Is a Bone Graft and When Is It Necessary?

For dental patients who may be ready to pursue dental implants, it is common to be told that a bone graft will be needed before the implant surgery can be done. While this can sound complicated, in reality it is a fairly simple procedure that many patients undergo.

What is a bone graft?

A graft is a minor surgery that transplants bone tissue. In short, it involves taking healthy bone tissue from one area of the mouth and reinserting it into another area where there is missing bone tissue. The transplanted tissue can then bond in the new location to recreate both new bone and any supporting tissue that may be missing.

Often, new growth is needed to support the structure of implants within a jaw that has experienced bone loss. The lack of bone material may have occurred because of trauma, gum disease, or severe tooth loss.

Who needs a bone graft?

Those who have lost teeth where a dental implant needs to go may require additional bone support, even if the tooth was recently removed. The tooth that was lost may not have been the same size as the replacement tooth, or the socket that held the tooth may have gotten infected. It also is not common that a patient loses a tooth and visits an office for implants on the same day. The natural bone may also deteriorate as a result of developmental defects, facial trauma, or gum disease.

Why is bone loss a problem?

For a patient needing restorative work, it is crucial to have enough bone to allow the dental implant to create a strong bond. Without enough bone to insert the implant into, the crown that is attached through the implant cannot remain stable. This can complicate speech patterns, create eating difficulties, and cause discomfort to the patient.

What kind of bone grafts are there?

The damage present in the mouth and the placement of the implants determines which type of graft is used. Here are four of the most commonly performed graft procedures:

1. Socket graft: The main purpose of this procedure is to keep the alveolar bone from atrophying. This is the bone responsible for supporting and holding in the teeth. Bone is placed directly into the empty socket to prevent the socket from collapsing and to give the old bone more material support.
2. Lateral ridge preservation graft: Human donor material is used in this graft, and the primary purpose is to extend the width of the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
3. Block bone graft: Large defects in the jawbone may require this procedure. A small block of bone from the jaw is inserted into the defect and attached with small screws.
4. Sinus lift procedure: This is commonly used when the upper jaw is not stable enough to hold an implant.

Conclusion

A patient can find out during a consultation if bone grafting is necessary for an upcoming implant procedure. Though routine, grafting requires follow-up care before moving on to the next step of oral treatment.

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