What is Bone Grafting in Dental Implant Treatment?
Bone grafting is a surgical operation that entails the gradual rebuilding and strengthening the jawbone after it has been weakened or deteriorated, thus providing a stable base for dental implants.thei
The loss of a tooth or a gum disease can lead to the resorption of the jawbone making it not enough to hold dental implants securely. Bone grafting fills this void, so that the implants can merge with the bone and support artificial teeth in a stable way.
Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?
The jawbone that held a lost tooth can gradually shrink if no proper measures are taken as it no longer gets stimulation from the chewing forces. This decrease in the bone may cause implant placement to be unstable, even impossible. Bone grafting does the work of lost bone volume and density to:
1. Maintain a healthy facial structure and the natural shape of the jaw
2. Implant support in terms of durability and function
3. Implant failure and the prevention of eventual complications
Types of Bone Grafting Materials
Materials for bone grafting are selected differently depending on the requirements of the patients:
1. Autografts: The bone is taken from the patient’s own body, usually the jaw or hip; most compatible but needs a separate surgery
2. Allografts: The donor bone from a tissue bank is cleaned and processed for safety; there is no need for a second surgery however integration is slightly slower
3. Xenografts: The bone is taken from animals, normally bovine, and is processed for use; provides a framework for the growth of natural bone
4. Synthetic grafts: are made of lab materials that help regenerate bones; are mostly used together with other grafts
Each category has pros and cons in relation to the time of healing, integration, and the patient’s choice.
Bone Grafting Procedure and Timeline
If the bone is minimal, bone grafting may be done at the same time as the implant placement, otherwise, it can be done separately.
The healing after the placement of a graft usually lasts from 4 to 6 months during which time the new bone is maturing.
After that, it is a surgical procedure in which dental implants are inserted. Some complex cases require the use of advanced techniques, such as block grafting or sinus lifts.