If you are getting dental implants, then somewhere during your consultation, bone grafting would have probably been mentioned as an accompaniment to dental implants. But for most, what bone grafting is and why it really matters is a mystery. So, in this article, let’s unpack that mystery a bit.
Suppose we are building a house. We certainly wouldn’t want to have one built on shaky ground, right? It’s the same with dental implants. The jaw is just like the foundation of those new structures, and it needs to be able to hold the new teeth. Bone grafting helps a lot in this area.
What is Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?
So just what happens during a bone graft for dental implants? Well, imagine giving your jaw bone a little boost. When we lose our teeth, our body starts reabsorbing the bone that used to support them. This might leave us with very little bone to ensure the implant is firmly placed.
Bone grafting simply adds some bone material to our jaw, so that we will have new bone formation. It is as simple as planting seeds in a garden where, under proper conditions, new bone starts growing and we have a good foundation for implants.
Ever wonder if you need a bone graft? Schedule a consultation with some of the best surgeons today!
Can I Get a Bone Graft and Implant in the Same Appointment?
Well, now you might be wondering, “Do we ever have to wait forever between the bone graft and getting our implant?” Well, in some cases, we can do them on the same day! Some can have the bone grafting and implant placement on the same day of the procedure. Which is known as immediate implant placement. This saves time and means a single recovery period.
However, this is not the case for all patients. The capability to have same-day procedures depends on many factors such as:
- The quality and quantity of existing bone
- The location of the implant
- The general status of the oral cavity.
Your oral surgeon will assess your specific case to determine the right option for you.
Types of Bone Grafts: For Dental Implants
There are various types of bone grafts, and not every shoe fits one. So, let’s discuss the important ones below:
1. Autografts : Bone taken from another part of your own body
2. Allografts : Human donor bone graft
3. Xenografts : Bone graft coming from animal sources (usually extracted from bovine bones)
4. Alloplasts : Artificial synthetic material used in the graft
There are many different graft materials that can be used. These typically depend on the amount of bone loss one has, what one prefers, and what an oral surgeon may recommend.
Considering which type of bone graft might be right for you? Schedule a consultation with Ridge Oral Surgery today!
When Do You Require A Bone Graft For Your Dental Implant?
Not sure whether you require a bone graft? That is absolutely alright as our oral surgeons have advanced technology to figure that out. The bone graft requirement is decided based on proper assessment that involves:
- X-rays
- 3D imaging.
- Assessment
There are many reasons why our bone may decline, so we may require a graft:
- Disease in our gums
- Wearing of our teeth over time
- Trauma to our jaw
- Developmental anomalies
Get an evaluation at Ridge Oral Surgery today!
Bone Grafting Procedure: What’s going on here
A bit nervous about the bone grafting procedure? Okay then, let’s take it step by step now:
- Preparation: Our surgeon cleans the area and may use local anesthesia .
- Incision: A small opening is made into gum to reach inside.
- Graft placement: The chosen material is placed in the area that needs it.
- Healing the graft
- Suturing:Closing the incision.
Grafting would take about an hour in a normal procedure, but this all depends on the size of the graft area required.
Recovery and Healing After Bone Grafting for Implant Placement
It is highly important that you observe an effective healing period and complete inclusion of the graft after having undergone bone grafting surgery for implant placement. The following is what you can expect when you’re healing:
First week: It is very crucial during the first week after surgery. You may be swollen, which can be controlled through medications prescribed.
Graft integration: The grafting materials will merge with your existing bone for the first three to six months.
Implant placement: Once your oral surgeon tells you that the graft has Osseo integrated, you will be ready to have implants inserted.
To promote healing and further minimize complications, we should try these:
– Quit smoking
– Practice good oral hygiene
– Consume a soft diet
– Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to check progress
Remember, healing is unique to the individual; your oral surgeon will provide you with a treatment plan outlining exactly what you need for successful recovery.
Have any questions about recovery? Call Ridge Oral Surgery and let us help you on the road to recovery!
Cost and Insurance for Bone Grafts
The cost of the bone graft procedure varies based on the following:
– Type of graft material
– The extent of bone loss
– The complexity of the procedure
– Geographical location
Insurance coverage varies widely based on the specific plan; some insurance providers will cover part of the cost if deemed medically necessary, while many consider dental implants and associated procedures elective and therefore do not cover them.
Ridge Oral Surgery offers different financing options to make our treatment possible. All set to discuss your options? Contact us at Ridge Oral Surgery for a detailed cost estimate and financing options!
Complications and Risks of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting, in general, is safe. However, risks and complications should always be kept in mind. Possible complications are:
- Infection and rejection of graft material
- Failure of graft to Osseo integrate
- Damage to any surrounding teeth
- Sinus problems
You can reduce your risk for complications even further by:
- Carefully follow all pre and post operation instructions
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Go to all follow-up appointments
Is Bone Grafting Right for You?
Bone grafting for a dental implant is more than just a medical procedure-it is essentially an investment you are going to reap in the long term. Preparing the bone graft allows you to lay a solid foundation for dental implants so that your smile is good for a long time.
With implants, an experienced oral surgeon could make the process easier and leave you with a stable, beautiful smile. Are you ready to take that next step to that new smile you’ve been waiting for?
Our surgeons at Ridge Oral Surgery would be more than happy to help guide you through every process, from the initial consultation up to implant placement.