Bone Grafting
Clackamas, OR
Bone grafting is the process of taking bone tissue from another area of the body of the patient or using special bone grafting material so that it can be transplanted into the jawbone. This procedure is used to promote bone formation and wound healing. These results are possible because the bone tissue can totally regenerate for as long that it is provided with the right conditions to grow. We, at Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center, mainly utilize this procedure when the jawbone of our patient for dental implants has deteriorated significantly. This technique is also relied upon to repair broken bones due to bone loss.
Benefits of Bone Grafting in Dentistry
Not many people know that missing teeth does not only affect their teeth and gums but their jawbones as well. The jawbone tends to deteriorate because of tooth loss since it has lost its function. It is estimated that the bone loses up to 60% of its volume after three years of undergoing tooth extraction and it continues to lose at least 0.25% every year. Bone grafting procedure greatly benefits people who suffer from bone loss due to loss of teeth. After bone grafting you are a candidate for dental implants.
If this procedure is not available, patients who want to experience the natural feel and look of dental implants but have deteriorated jawbone cannot have implants. Those who suffer from injury or surgery defects or bone loss because of periodontal disease can also greatly benefit from the results of bone grafting. Moreover, bone graft can improve the function of implants, crowns, and dentures.
Bone Grafts for Dental Implants
Three of the most common types and tissue sources of bone grafting that are most commonly used to prepare the jawbone for dental implants include autograft, allografts, and xenograft. Autograft or autogenous bone grafting involves taking a bone from the patient who is receiving the graft himself. The bone is usually harvested from other areas and transplanted to the jawbone. This grafting greatly lessens the risk of graft rejection since the tissue to be grafted comes from the body of the patient himself. Allograft is also obtained from humans, but not from the same patient who will be undergoing the bone graft procedure. Allograft bone is usually sourced from a bone bank. Xenografts, on the other hand, come from non-human sources like bovine.
What Happens During Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
During the bone graft procedure, a piece of bone, sourced from the body of the patient or other sources, is transplanted into the jawbone to promote bone growth. After this process, the patient needs to wait for a couple of months until the transplanted bone results in a new bone that is strong and steady enough to support dental implants. Once the jawbone is ready, the metal implants are inserted into the jawbone and given several months again to heal. Once healed, metal posts would then be placed to the dental implant. These metal posts are where replacement teeth would be inserted after the gums have healed.
Learn more about bone grafting procedures by calling us at Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center today at (503) 652-8080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bone grafts performed?
Bone grafting stands as a remarkable procedure in modern medicine, pivotal for restoring bone integrity and fostering bone growth across various medical and dental scenarios. Whether reconstructing bone post-injury, preparing the jawbone for dental implants, or addressing bone deficiencies, bone grafts have become indispensable in both orthopedics and dentistry.
A bone graft involves augmenting the jawbone's structure to provide support for dental implants. This procedure entails transferring bone material from either another part of the patient's body or a donor source to the jawbone. Such intervention bolsters the jawbone, enabling it to accommodate dental implants securely.
In dentistry, bone grafts are instrumental when the jawbone lacks adequate volume or density to sustain implants. By infusing bone material into the jawbone, the graft fosters bone growth and regeneration, establishing a robust foundation for implant placement.
What are the types of bone grafts?
Various types of bone grafts are employed in dentistry, including autografts sourced from the patient's body and allografts procured from donors. These grafts are meticulously positioned in the jawbone during a surgical procedure, prompting the natural growth of new bone tissue over time.
Bone grafting encompasses various options tailored to individual needs, each with distinct advantages and considerations:
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Autografts: Harvested from the patient's body, autografts offer exceptional compatibility and promote natural healing.
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Allografts: Utilize bone tissue from cadaver donors, eliminating the need for a second surgical site but posing a slight risk of immune rejection.
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Xenografts: Employ bone tissue from animal sources, such as bovine or porcine, as a viable alternative when human donor tissue is unavailable.
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Synthetic Bone Grafts: Comprise manufactured materials like ceramics or calcium phosphate, mimicking natural bone properties and integrating with surrounding tissue to facilitate bone regeneration. |
What are the risks associated with bone grafts?
Bone grafts, while generally safe, carry some risks, including infection at the graft site, inadequate integration of the graft with the existing bone, potential for graft rejection, and donor site morbidity if autografts are used. Additionally, there is a slight risk of nerve or blood vessel damage during the grafting procedure, which could lead to numbness or tingling in the affected area. Overall, while these risks exist, they are not commonly encountered in routine bone graft procedures.
What is the recovery process like after a bone graft?
The bone graft's healing duration varies based on factors like graft type, defect size, and patient health. Generally, several months are required for full integration and restoration of strength and function.
Initially, a soft or liquid diet is advised to promote healing and avoid undue pressure on the graft site. Solid foods can gradually be reintroduced as healing progresses, under healthcare provider guidance.
To expedite healing and recovery, diligent adherence to post-operative instructions is paramount. This may include maintaining good oral hygiene, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, ensuring a nutritious diet, and limiting strenuous physical activity during the initial healing phase.
How successful are bone grafts?
Bone grafts are generally highly successful procedures, with success rates ranging from 90% to 95% or even higher in many cases. The success of a bone graft depends on various factors, including the type of graft material used, the patient's overall health, and proper surgical technique. Advances in technology and surgical methods have further improved success rates, making bone grafts a reliable solution for augmenting bone volume and promoting tissue regeneration in areas of deficiency.
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