Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone, or a bone substitute material, where bone is missing. In dentistry, it is used to rebuild the jawbone so it can support a dental implant. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and may help restore chewing function and appearance. The final result can vary depending on factors such as your oral health, implant position, healing process, and the type of restoration used. It is always important, however, to make sure that you understand all the various aspects of oral surgery, and dental implants are no different. One of the main things to be aware of is the possibility of needing a bone graft for dental implants.
A dental implant basically has two pieces: a metal cylinder that is placed into the jawbone and functions like the root of the tooth, and an abutment that screws into the first piece. A crown is then placed on the abutment, creating the appearance of a tooth. In a bone graft procedure, the surgeon will take a section of bone from another area of your body, or—as is most often the case now—use a special bone grafting material and graft it onto your jawbone. You will then have to wait, most likely several months, while the graft heals and new bone forms to support the implant. Healing times vary between patients.
It is possible if you only need a minor graft that the procedure might be able to be done at the same time as the implant surgery, but your dentist will make the final decision. When a graft heals well, it can give your jaw enough bone to support a dental implant. Like any surgery, bone grafting carries risks, including pain, swelling, infection and the graft not integrating as planned, which may mean further treatment. Your dentist will discuss these with you before you decide. Call us on 08 9296 9970 to talk to our team about bone grafting.
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