Your Windsor Invisalign® Provider
Benefits of a Bone Graft
Bone grafting helps facilitate the growth of bone tissues by providing support. Over time, the graft material is gradually replaced by natural bone, resulting in a fully integrated new bone region.
Bone graft procedures are commonly performed in conjunction with dental restorations, such as bridges and implants. Bone grafts help provide a stable foundation for these restorations to be placed securely in the mouth.
Reasons for a Bone Graft
If you have a weak or deteriorated jawbone, bone grafting is used to stabilize and restore the jaw foundation before implant surgery or other restorative work. It can also be used to correct deformities and provide additional support. Additionally, it can help prevent bone recession after procedures like tooth extraction or due to periodontal disease.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are several types of bone grafts. Our dentists will help determine the best type for your particular condition.
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Autogenous Bone Graft
An autogenous bone graft involves using bone harvested from the patient's own body. This type of graft is advantageous because it reduces the risk of rejection and provides more predictable results.
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Allograft Bone Graft
An allograft bone graft is a procedure where bone tissue is taken from a donor and transplanted into the recipient's jaw to promote bone growth and regeneration.
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Xenograft
A xenograft is a type of bone graft material that is derived from either cows or pigs. Both of these sources provide a strong scaffold for new bone growth due to their structural similarities to human bone.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone is typically harvested from your own body (or, on rare occasions, obtained from a “bone bank”) and added to the affected site. This bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass to help support and anchor dental implants.
During the procedure, your dentist will numb the grafting and extraction sites using a local anesthetic. A small incision will be made to prepare the site for the new bone. Once placed it will be anchored into position. On occasion, a synthetic membrane may be used to cover the new bone. This membrane prevents soft tissue and bacterial invasions and encourages new bone growth.
The surgery should not require an overnight stay, and you will be provided with instructions for your post-operative care. Additionally, medications may be prescribed to help with discomfort and swelling.