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If you are considering oral surgery, you've probably heard of bone grafting. But what is it, exactly, and when is it required? There are several different reasons why a patient may require bone grafting. For example, perhaps gum disease has taken a toll on the jawbone. Maybe a patient underwent a particularly tough tooth extraction. In some cases, patients are simply born without proper bone density in certain areas. No matter what the cause, a lack of bone volume can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. Here, we will explore the different types of bone grafting and discuss scenarios in which bone grafting is recommended. Bone Grafting after Extractions When a tooth is removed from the jawbone, there is a socket left behind. Even after months of healing, sometimes the bone is simply compromised in that area. For example, if nothing is used to fill in the socket, the jawbone can collapse in on itself over time. This results in a jawbone that is too narrow or too shallow. This may not pose a problem if the patient does not plan on replacing the missing tooth. However, if you are considering restorative options - particularly a dental implant - then bone grafting is often a necessity. A socket bone graft is referred to as ridge preservation. This type of graft is performed at the same time as the tooth extraction. This not only allows us to streamline treatment, it also reduces the likelihood of more invasive grafts later on. For example, it is much more difficult to graft after the extraction site has healed. Grafting immediately after the extraction is preferred and more successful overall. Bone Grafting before Dental Implants Dental implants are commonly considered the world's most superior teeth replacement option. In order for them to be successful long-term, however, they must be placed in dense, healthy jawbone. People who have been missing teeth for prolonged periods of time may have experienced a significant amount of jawbone atrophy. In these cases, bone grafting is recommended prior to dental implants. There are two primary types of bone grafts performed before dental implant placement: ridge augmentation and sinus lifts. Ridge Augmentation If the jawbone is too narrow, it will not adequately house a dental implant. A ridge augmentation can be performed to widen the jawbone and add appropriate density. This will provide optimal coverage for your new dental implants. Sinus Lifts If you are missing your molars on the upper arch, it is possible for the maxillary sinus to drop down over time. If this occurs, the sinus cavity will inhabit the space where the teeth roots once were. Dental implants cannot be placed in this scenario because the posts would puncture the sinus membrane and penetrate the sinus cavity. A sinus lift can be performed to remedy this situation. During this procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted to its original position, and the void underneath is filled with a bone grafting material. After several months of healing, eligibility for dental implants should be exponentially higher. Autogenous Bone Grafts vs Non-Autogenous Bone Grafts There are different types of bone grafting material, depending on the specific needs of the patient. An autogenous graft is harvested from your own body - usually from another part of the jawbone - and transferred to the area of deficiency. Using your own bone is preferable, because your body recognizes it as your own tissue. However, an autogenous graft is not always feasible. A non-autogenous graft is purchased from a bone and tissue bank and offers incredible results. This type of graft may be harvested from cadaver sources (allograft) or bovine sources (xenograft). Occasionally, synthetic materials are also used. Personalized Treatment for Optimal Care Because each patient is unique, treatment plans can vary significantly for every individual. For example, just because you have been missing a tooth for several years does not mean you will require a bone graft; it depends on the quantity and quality of bone present. Therefore, it is important to schedule a consultation with your oral surgeon to determine what is necessary for your particular situation. Dr. Chris Tye is a board-certified oral surgeon practicing in Colleyville, TX. Visit Texas Oral Surgery Specialists to learn more about bone grafting.
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bone grafting, dental implants, tooth extraction, bone preservation,
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