Bone Graft­ing Before Implants: What to Expect and Why It’s Needed

Bone grafting is a method of increasing the bone density in the jaw so that the jaw ridge is wide enough to support a dental implant. Without this essential procedure, the ridge might be too narrow to be able to hold a dental implant securely in place.

If you have been told you need bone grafting before you start treatment, you might be wondering what this means for you. In this guide, we’re exploring the implications of bone grafts, how the treatment works and what to expect.

What is bone grafting and when do you need it?

Bone grafting is a simple procedure where bone material is taken from somewhere else in the patient’s body, a donor source, or an artificial source, and placed in a location where the bone density is diminished.

Following tooth loss, it’s common for the bone density to reduce as the jaw bone is no longer under pressure from the tooth roots. It undergoes a process known as bone resorption, where the body starts to break down the bone tissue.

If multiple teeth are lost in a row, this could significantly impact the shape of the jaw and lead to a sunken appearance on the side of the tooth loss.

Bone grafting helps to restore lost bone tissue to the area, and can pave the way for the patient to have implant surgery once the bone density has increased.

How does bone grafting work?

There are a few different ways to achieve a bone graft. In some cases, the bone graft can be placed immediately after an extraction. The bone tissue is placed in the hole left behind and then left to heal where it will integrate with the existing bone. If you know you’re going to have dental implants in the future, this is an excellent way to make sure that there is no bone density lost once the time comes to restore the tooth.

It’s also possible to have bone grafts in preparation for dental implants if you have been missing teeth for a long time.

There are four main types of bone grafts available:

• An autograft uses bone from another location in your own body. This is often the best option as it is the least likely to lead to an infection or rejection. However, it does mean a second procedure site to harvest the bone, which will increase the recovery time.

• An allograft uses bone from a donor body, usually a cadaver. There is a low risk of rejection and infection with this option, but some people might feel uncomfortable with the idea.

• A xenograft uses bone from another species, such as a pig or a cow. There is a potential for this to trigger an immune response, but the risk is low. The patient might have a moral or religious objection to this treatment.

• An alloplast uses synthetic materials which are grown in a lab. This is readily available, reduces the risk of an immune response or rejection, and is often less likely to make the patient uncomfortable. However, there is a chance that this type of graft might not stimulate bone growth.

The procedure for a bone graft is very simple and quick, but the bone graft will need time to heal and start to stimulate new bone growth.

The bone grafting procedure

First, the dentist and the patient will agree on the type of bone graft to be used. If the patient chooses an autograft, they will also be prepared for the harvest surgery.

To place the bone graft, the dentist exposes the jaw bone by making a small incision in the gum. The patient is completely numb throughout the procedure. Oral conscious sedation may also be offered to help make the patient more comfortable.

The bone graft is commonly placed on the side of the existing jaw bone, as this will widen the ridge and make it possible to support the dental implant.

The site is closed with a small stitch (suture) and then left to heal. A membrane may be placed over the top which will help to stimulate the bone growth.

Does bone grafting hurt?

The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Afterwards, you might feel some tenderness in your gums, but this shouldn’t last long and will pass as the incision site heals.

By following the aftercare advice and taking good care of your oral health in the days following the procedure, you will set yourself up for a streamlined recovery. Most patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than a simple extraction.

How soon can I have dental implants after a bone graft?

The bone graft will usually take around 4-6 months to heal and start to stimulate sufficient bone growth. Your dentist will monitor this and let you know when the bone is ready to support a dental implant.

It’s far better to give the bone graft plenty of time to heal before placing the dental implants, otherwise there is the risk the implant might not be fully supported.

If you are keen to start the dental implant restoration sooner, ask your dentist about All-On-4 dental implants.