Ridge Augmentation – Bone Grafting

Bone Grafting in Dental Implants

Contrary to its name, which may seem complex and strange, Jaw bone grafting is a standard procedure for some people during dental implants.

Bone grafting is generally done after the doctor’s initial examination and before placing the implant base. This work aims to strengthen the jaw’s bone tissue because the base of the dental implant must be placed in this bone.

Why Bone Grafting?

Dental implant is a multi-step process. The most crucial step is placing a screw-like metal piece inside the jawbone. This part is called the implant base. During the surgery, the doctor shaves a bit of the jawbone and places the implant base inside it.
After a few months, the jaw bone will merge with this base. After the bone merges with the implant’s base, the doctor places the dental crown on the implant.

So, you may be asked why bone grafting is done for dental implants. As we said, the implant’s base must be firmly placed inside the jawbone. For this purpose, a few millimeters of bone tissue must be from each side of the implant base.
However, in some situations, there is not enough bone tissue, so the bone tissue is strengthened by bone powder.

But you may ask, why does the bone degenerate? Bone loss is possible in many conditions and problems. However, the main reason for jaw bone loss is tooth loss.
When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone in that area will degenerate over time. If this bone loss is too severe, bone grafting is necessary.

Types of Bone Powder for Dental Implants

There are several types of bone powder for dental implant bone grafting. Of course, your doctor will suggest the best option for you.

1. Autograft transplantation
   In this type of bone grafting, the person’s bone is used for transplantation. Of course, this method is less used because it is more complex than other methods. However, since the person’s bone is used, it is more likely to succeed than all other options.
2. Allograft transplantation
   In this method, the bone of a deceased person is used. Of course, don’t worry! Before the transplant, the bone powder is sterilized.
3. Xenograft transplantation
   In xenograft bone transplantation, the bone source is an animal such as a cow. This method is also very successful.
4. Alloplast graft
   Finally, synthetic or synthetic materials are used in this method.

Pain After Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

Like other dental implant procedures, bone grafting is not painful during surgery because the doctor uses anesthetic drugs.

But after the operation is finished and the anesthesia wears off, a little pain appears. Usually, this pain lasts between 3 and 4 days. Of course, the amount of this pain is not high, and it improves with the use of painkillers.

Complications of Jaw Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

Bone grafting for implants does not have any side effects. After the operation, some pain and swelling may appear, which is temporary. You can reduce the swelling by applying an ice compress. It would help to care for your oral hygiene during the first few days.
Your doctor may ask you to use a mouthwash. Especially in the first few days, it is better not to smoke.

In sporadic cases, your body may reject the bone graft. Therefore, it is better to be under the supervision of a doctor during this time.
Also, in case of prolonged pain and swelling, it is better to inform the doctor about this issue because one of the complications after the operation is infection.

The Cost of Implant Bone Grafting
The cost of bone grafting for implants varies depending on the type of operation and the powder used.

FAQ

• How long does bone grafting in dental implants take?
  Bone grafting for dental implants is brief and usually takes between 20 and 90 minutes. Of course, after the operation’s completion, several months, which may reach 6 months, are needed to complete the bone grafting process.
• Is bone grafting painful?
  While the implant bone grafting procedure is usually not a painful experience, after the anesthesia wears off, expect some discomfort for a few hours after the procedure.
  However, your dentist will usually prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever to combat it. Pain relievers will minimize residual discomfort or pain for three to four days after the procedure.
• What are the risks of bone grafting?
  After bone grafting, you may experience mild to moderate pain, bruising, and swelling. Unless the graft becomes infected or fails due to some other health or post-surgical care issue, the good news is that pain medication can effectively manage all other events. In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to be sure.
• When do you need a bone graft?
  Bone grafting is usually recommended for anyone experiencing significant bone loss in their jaw (in one or more areas). This is especially true if you and your dentist have planned advanced rehabilitative or restorative treatments such as dental implants inside your mouth.
  In general, rapid bone loss occurs in and around the area when there is tooth extraction or voluntary removal from the tooth socket. In This example, dental bone graft materials are used to preserve the tooth cavity’s area and prevent further bone loss in that area, done on a case-by-case basis.
  Depending on the specific clinical symptoms, your dentist may order dental X-rays to assess the level of bone loss in the socket area.
  If there is evidence of a specific type of bone loss at the extraction site, such as vertical bone loss (VBE) in advanced gum disease, the dentist may use bone grafting to maintain bone volume and health to prevent it.
  If left untreated, a vertical bone loss event (VBE) can cause significant damage to supporting structures such as teeth, gums, and jawbones.
• How do I prepare for dental bone grafting?
  You don’t need to do much to prepare for a bone graft. Here’s a quick checklist of things to do before surgery:
  Do not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure, depending on the type of anesthesia you receive and the opinion of the bone graft surgeon.
  Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners that increase the risk of bleeding complications during surgery.
  Arrange to go home afterward, as you will be tired after the procedure.

Conclusion
If you’re considering dental implants and need bone grafting, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghayoumi to explore your personalized treatment plan.