09 Sep What is a Bone Graft?
What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a type of procedure used to increase bone mass in an area where there has been bone loss or additional support is necessary. The donor bone may be taken from the patient, or synthetic bone material may be used.
A common reason why a bone graft may be necessary is in the case of a dental implant. Going without a missing tooth eventually leads to a process called bone resorption where, without the presence of a tooth root, the underlying bone begins to melt away. Since a dental implant requires solid bone for anchoring, a bone graft procedure helps to shore up the area so that it can support an implant.
Even if you do not need a dental implant, you may still need a bone graft to support a jaw that has been affected because of bone loss due to the loss of teeth or gum disease.
If you experience bone loss, nearby teeth and gum tissue can be affected. A bone graft procedure can help stabilize your jaw to prevent additional bone loss and the complications that it causes.
Cosmetic Benefits
Other people who benefit from a dental bone graft include those whose facial appearance has been altered by bone loss. The loss of jawbone mass can cause the facial structure to collapse inward, leading to unpleasant changes in the muscles and lips around the area. It can also increase wrinkles in the area and make the patient appear older than their actual age.
It is more common for older adults to experience jawbone loss, often due to osteoporosis and the bone-thinning that it leads to. But anyone who has experienced jaw trauma or certain other health conditions may require a bone graft procedure.
What should I expect during a bone graft procedure?
During the most common type of bone graft procedure, you will likely go through the following steps:
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- You will be provided with anesthesia before your bone graft.
- The area of treatment will be cleaned by a dental technician.
- Your oral surgeon will form an incision in the gums, separating them from the area of the bone graft.
- They will insert bone between areas of bone that need to naturally fuse together.
- Materials like dental adhesive or screws are used to secure the bone graft.
Your oral surgeon will sew up the incision to begin the healing process.
Recovery and Aftercare
After you have received a bone graft, you will be sent home with gauze packed around the treated area. You’ll be provided with detailed instructions and a prescription for antibiotics. If necessary, you may also be provided with a prescription for pain relievers.
During the first day or two, you may find relief from pain and swelling by applying ice packs. Make sure that you eat only soft foods for the next few days.
Avoid hot foods like soup and coffee. Do not eat hard or crunchy foods like nuts. Avoid vigorous physical activity, particularly contact sports, that could damage the area that is healing.