Bone Grafting
Often, implants require building up a stronger foundation in the jaw through bone grafting. Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone can be obtained from other areas of your own body.
When a tooth is lost, the body responds by resorbing the local bone that is used to support the tooth. Over time, you will notice a recession of bone levels and gum tissue in the area where the tooth was lost. To help prevent this or to correct this issue, Dr. Nesbitt will discuss bone grafting.
Often, if an implant is not placed at the same time as tooth extraction, Dr. Nesbitt will recommend placing a bone graft to fill in the space where the tooth was removed. This allows for solid bone to support a future implant and helps prevent bone loss normally observed after tooth loss. In most cases, the bone graft material is from a source other than your own body. These sources are screened vigorously and are safe and effective sources for bone grafting. This will also decrease the pain experienced after surgery as it avoids obtaining bone grafts from other areas of your own body. Dr. Nesbitt will discuss all options for bone grafting at the time of your consultation.
In situations where a tooth or teeth were lost years ago, you likely have experienced bone recession. It may be determined that you have an inadequate amount of bone height and width to place an implant of ideal size and in the ideal location. In these situations, bone grafting will be recommended to restore the missing bone. A combination of donated bone and possibly your own bone will be used to reconstruct these defects.
Additionally, a membrane may be placed over the graft to secure it in place. Membranes are sheets of resorbable collagen or non-resorbable material that may be flexible or rigid and are used to secure the bone graft. If a non-resorbable membrane is required, you will need an additional procedure to remove the membrane either before implant placement or at the same time as implant placement. Additionally, you may require grafting of gum tissue to restore any recession that may have occurred over time.
In the posterior maxilla (molar region of the top jaw), you may require a procedure known as a sinus lifting bone graft to gain the necessary bone height for dental implants. The maxillary sinus is an air-filled space within the top jaw bone located above the roots of your molars. This air-filled space is lined by a very thin membrane. If there is inadequate bone height, a procedure to “lift” the sinus membrane and add bone will be completed. This procedure is done to increase the amount of bone height in preparation for a future implant.
After bone grafting procedures, it is normal to experience slight discomfort. You will be prescribed pain medications to aid with post-operative pain. Additionally, antibiotics and medicated mouth rinse may be prescribed after grafting procedures. Sutures are used to secure the membrane and adjacent gum tissue. If they are resorbable, you will not need to have them removed. If non-resorbable sutures are placed, they will be removed 7-10 days after your grafting surgery.
Swelling and bruising are possible after bone grafting procedures. Cold compresses for the first 24-48 hours will help with pain and swelling.
It is normal to feel “gritty” particles in your mouth for a few days after implant surgery. Bone graft material consists of small particles, and it is normal for small pieces to be expelled from the grafted site while healing.
For more information about dental implants, you can visit AAOMS (myoms.org).
Meet Our Oral Surgeon
