North Shore Perio offers bone grafting for patients who have lost bone in the jaw for various reasons and may be experiencing related dental problems. Bone grafting is a common and highly effective oral surgical procedure that helps restore the jawbone, making it possible for patients to receive dental implants or address other dental issues caused by bone loss.
Bone grafting is a critical step for patients who want dental implants but have insufficient bone due to tooth loss or other issues. It helps rebuild the bone structure necessary to support implants, making the procedure more successful and long-lasting. As part of our dental surgical procedures, bone grafting plays a vital role in preparing the mouth for future restorative treatments.
Bone grafting does not just restore lost bone. It can also help prevent further deterioration of the jaw. Without grafting, the bone may continue to shrink, making it more difficult to address the problem later on. Bone grafting also supports the ongoing growth of healthy bone tissue to preserve and support your smile for the long term.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild and strengthen jawbone that has been lost or damaged, often as a result of tooth loss. When teeth are lost, the bone that once supported those teeth can begin to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to problems such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and, in some cases, the inability to place dental implants. Bone grafting can restore the foundation needed for placing implants or to improve the stability of your smile.
During the procedure, a periodontist or oral surgeon will transplant bone material into areas where the jawbone has been weakened. This bone material can come from several sources:
- Autograft: Bone taken from another part of your own body, often from the chin or jaw.
- Allograft: Donated bone from a human cadaver.
- Xenograft: Bone material derived from animals, usually cows.
- Alloplast: Synthetic bone material made from biocompatible materials.
The bone graft material will integrate with the existing bone, encouraging new bone growth and restoring the structure needed to support teeth or dental implants.
Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?
Bone grafting is often necessary for patients who have experienced bone loss due to:
- Tooth loss: After losing a tooth, the bone in the area starts to shrink over time, which can make it difficult to place a dental implant.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can cause the bone around the teeth to deteriorate.
- Trauma or injury: Accidents or injuries that affect the jawbone may require grafting to restore normal bone structure.
- Congenital defects: Some patients may be born with insufficient bone in the jaw.
While bone grafting is typically part of a treatment plan for restorative needs like missing teeth, it can also serve cosmetic purposes. Bone loss can lead to an aged appearance around the mouth because the area where bone is shrinking can appear sunken over time. Bone grafting can restore lost volume and help maintain a more natural appearance of the upper or lower jaw area.
What to Expect During the Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. In some cases, sedation may be used to help the patient relax. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Initial Consultation and Evaluation: Before the surgery, one of our periodontists will evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and take X-rays or 3D scans to assess the extent of bone loss. Based on this information, we will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Surgical Procedure: On the day of the surgery, the procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. Your periodontist will then make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone. The grafting material is carefully placed in the area where bone loss has occurred. In some cases, the graft may need to be secured with tiny screws or membranes. Once the graft material is in place, the gums are sutured closed.
Post-Procedure Monitoring: After the surgery, you will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some swelling, discomfort, or mild bleeding, which is normal. Our team will give you instructions for post-procedure care to help you heal.
Bone Grafting Recovery: What To Expect
For the best recovery, follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your periodontist to ensure proper healing. You may experience mild to moderate discomfort immediately after the procedure, which can typically be managed with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Swelling and bruising around the surgical site are normal and can be reduced by applying an ice pack to the area in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours.
For the first few days, avoid brushing directly over the surgical site, but maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing with salt water as needed to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Stick to soft foods—such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes—and avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that might irritate the surgical site. Be sure to follow any activity restrictions, refraining from strenuous physical activity for a few weeks.
Finally, you will have follow-up appointments with your periodontist or your regular dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure that the graft is integrating with the bone properly. Following these care guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible long-term outcome for your bone grafting procedure.
Dental Bone Grafting FAQs
Sometimes, bone grafting is necessary for patients to get dental implants and ensure their stability. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the surgery. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, soreness, and mild discomfort for a few days. Pain is typically managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Most patients find recovery manageable and similar to that of a tooth extraction.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Healing time can vary, but most bone grafts take 3 to 6 months to integrate fully with the jawbone. During this time, the body gradually replaces the graft with natural bone. You’ll need follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. Once healed, we can place a dental implant if that was the goal.
Are there risks or complications with bone grafting?
Bone grafting is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, there are some risks. These may include infection, graft rejection, prolonged healing, swelling, and discomfort. Following post-op care instructions helps minimize complications. Most patients heal without any serious issues.
Does dental insurance cover bone grafting?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason for the bone graft. If the procedure is medically necessary, such as for trauma or disease, it’s more likely to be covered. Cosmetic procedures or those related to elective implants may not be covered.
What is the success rate of dental bone grafts?
Bone grafting has a high success rate, typically over 90% when performed by a skilled provider. Success depends on factors like your overall health, the type of graft used, and how well you follow aftercare guidelines. A successful graft will create a stable, dense bone structure for future dental restorations. Regular follow-ups are key to monitoring the outcome.
Can I smoke after a bone graft?
No, smoking can interfere with healing and significantly increase the risk of graft failure. It reduces blood flow to the surgical site and can introduce harmful bacteria. Most dentists recommend quitting at least a week before surgery and for several weeks afterward. If you’re a smoker, talk to us about support for quitting before treatment.