One of the requirements for a patient to be able to get a dental implants procedure is that the patient must have sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant. Some patients who do not have adequate bone mass may be able to get implants by first having a bone graft procedure.
A dental bone graft procedure can increase the density and volume of the jaw so that a patient can have a dental implants procedure. The procedure involves either taking material from elsewhere on the patient's body or purchasing it from a human or animal tissue bank. Alternatively, some bone grafts may be performed using synthetic material.
A dentist places the graft material in areas of the jaw where bone loss has occurred. The grafted material stimulates the patient's bone tissue to grow resulting in thicker and harder bone. The dentist may use platelet-rich plasma to promote tissue healing and regeneration. It may take several months for enough new bone to grow to support the implants. Patients who require only minor grafting may be able to have the graft done at the same time as the implant surgery.
There are four main types of dental bone grafts:
The dentist starts by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. The dentist then makes a small incision in the gums and moves the gums a small amount to expose the jawbone. The dentist cleans and disinfects the graft site and then adds the grafting material. The graft may be covered with a membrane before the gum tissue is moved back into place and the incision is stitched closed.
Chewing exerts pressure on the jaw bone. For dental implants to hold up to that pressure, there must be enough jaw bone to support the implant. A person who wants to have implants but has a jawbone that is either too thin or soft because of bone loss may need a bone graft procedure.
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Dental bone grafts make it possible for patients who would otherwise not be able to have dental implants placed to have implant procedures. If you are unable to have dental implant surgery because of issues with your jawbone, a bone graft may be an option for you.
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