Dental bone grafting offered by the Kelowna dentist, is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue to the jawbone to restore its structure and function. This procedure is commonly performed to prepare the jaw for dental implants, but it can also be used to repair defects or damage caused by injury, infection, or gum disease.
This comprehensive blog will explore everything about dental bone grafting to help you make an informed decision before opting for the procedure.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a dental technique used to repair and rebuild a weakened or diseased jawbone. It is often necessary when you don’t have sufficient jawbone mass to support a dental implant, bridge, crown, or dentures.
Why do you need dental bone grafting?
Here are five reasons you may need bone grafting:
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Extracted or missing tooth
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- A prolonged period of missing teeth results in jawbone resorption.
- This ideally cannot support restorations like implants and bridges.
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Gum disease
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- Gum disease can result in gum recession and bone loss, leading to loose teeth.
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Crooked teeth
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- These lead to gum disease that can progress into periodontitis damaging the bone and teeth.
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Developmental defects
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- Some birth defects are characterized by missing parts of teeth, facial bones, or jaw.
- Bone grafting can rebuild deficient parts of bone and restore oral function
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Facial trauma or injury
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- Trauma due to bruxism or accidents can exert pressure on the teeth and jaw causing significant damage.
- Bone grafting reverses the effects of bone deterioration, restoring function and promoting new bone growth in traumatized areas.
What are the types of dental bone grafts?
There are four main types of dental bone grafts:
- Autografts: This type of graft uses the patient’s own bone tissue, usually taken from the hip, tibia, or jaw.
- Allografts: This type of graft uses bone tissue from a donor.
- Xenografts: This type of graft uses bone tissue from another species, usually a cow or pig.
- Alloplasts: This type of graft uses synthetic bone material.
How is dental bone grafting performed?
The dental bone grafting procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: The patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area, and in some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
- Incision: The gum tissue will be cut to expose the jawbone.
- Bone grafting: The bone graft material will be placed in the jawbone, and secured with sutures or a membrane.
- Closure: The incision will be closed with sutures.
How to care for dental bone grafts?
Proper dental care and hygiene are critical after a bone graft surgery. This facilitates faster healing and prevents unwanted complications. These include:
- Do not touch or disturb the site with your tongue
- Avoiding spitting, sucking, or rinsing for at least 2 days
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 2 weeks
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, and soups
- Avoid extremely hot, spicy, or cold foods to prevent sensitivity
- Take medications as directed by your dentist for optimal healing
- Do not brush or floss near the surgical site for 2 days, instead use warm water rinses
What are the benefits of bone grafting?
Bone grafting is very beneficial for your oral and overall well-being. These benefits include:
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Repairs and rebuilds weak jawbone
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- Bone grafting restores your jaw structure to its original form.
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Supports your teeth and gums
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- Bone graft offers a good bone structure to hold your gums and teeth in position, protecting you from developing dental problems such as gum disease and tooth loss.
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Maintains your facial structure
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- Bone grafting repairs your jawbone, maintaining and lifting your facial muscles.
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Supports dental implants and bridges
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- Bone grafting supports restorations like dental implants to offer good stability and support.
- It ensures these dental appliances are secured without slipping.
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Saves your teeth
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- Bone grafting solves dental problems as such trauma, infection, tumors, and gum disease.
Bottom line
Dental bone grafting is a safe and effective procedure that can help restore the structure and function of the jawbone. While it can be a complex procedure, the benefits of dental bone grafting make it a valuable option for those seeking to improve their oral health and facial aesthetics. If you are considering dental bone grafting, it is essential to consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon to discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
