If you are considering dental implants, frequently the term “bone grafting” might come up during your discussions with your oral surgeon. In this article, we will be discussing the important role of bone grafting in oral surgery, particularly in the installation of dental implants.
For a successful oral surgery, particularly dental implants, a patient must have sufficient bone in their jaws. This is where bone grafting comes into play – to improve the strength and volume of the jawbones, making them perfect to receive the dental implant.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy bone tissue into your jawbone to stimulate bone regrowth. This procedure is commonly performed when there isn’t enough bone in the jaw to support dental implants. It provides a solid base or scaffold that aids the growth of new, healthy bone tissue.
The bone graft can be sourced from another part of your body – usually your hip or chin – or from a donor. In some cases, synthetic materials are used for grafting. At Portland Oral Surgery, we choose the most suitable source based on your individual needs and medical history.
Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?
There are several reasons why bone grafting might be necessary:
- Support for dental implants: As previously mentioned, one of the main reasons for bone grafting is to provide sturdy support for dental implants by boosting bone density in the jaw.
- Combat bone loss: The jawbone could start receding due to tooth loss typically after an extraction, or due to chronic periodontal (gum) disease. Bone grafting can help combat this bone loss.
- Correction of bone deformities: Bone grafting can also be used to correct or reshape bone deformities and fill in voids or gaps in bones after surgery or injury.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
Performing a bone graft is a sophisticated procedure and needs thorough planning. Here is how we carry out bone grafting at Portland Oral Surgery:
- Initial Consultation and Evaluation: Our surgeon will carry out a detailed assessment of your oral health to determine if a bone graft is necessary.
- Preparation: If a bone graft is required, then the next step is to identify the best source for the graft.
- Procedure: The surgeon carefully places the graft onto the area of the jawbone that requires reinforcement under local anesthesia.
- Recovery: The graft will slowly fuse with your jawbone to form new bone cells and strengthen the area to support an implant.
The entire process can take several months, including the healing time necessary for the grafted bone to merge completely with your jawbone. But the result that you will get after the procedure will be worthy of this wait.
Ideal Candidates for Bone Grafting
While bone grafting can be an excellent option for many individuals, it might not be suitable for everyone. The ideal candidates for bone grafting typically have:
- Insufficient bone density in the jaw
- No health conditions that could interfere with bone healing
- Good oral hygiene habits
However, the ultimate decision depends on the evaluation by your oral surgeon taking into account your overall health, specific needs and the expected outcome.
Wrapping Up The Role of Bone Grafting in Oral Surgery
Bone grafting plays a pivotal role in ensuring your oral surgery, especially dental implants, turn out successful. It provides the necessary support and volume to your jawbone, enhancing the outcome of your surgery. If you’re considering oral surgery and want to learn more about bone grafting, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Portland Oral Surgery.
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