Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, though other factors like ill-fitting dentures or facial trauma can also contribute. Bone grafting is a versatile and predictable procedure used to replace lost bone tissue and stimulate natural bone growth. It can help create a stable base for dental implants, halt the progression of gum disease, or enhance the aesthetics of your smile.

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Types of Bone Grafts

  • Autogenous Bone Graft: Bone is harvested from elsewhere in the patient’s body, such as the iliac crest of the pelvis, chin, or posterior third molar areas. For larger grafts, the hip or tibia may be used.
  • Allograft: Laboratory-created synthetic bone or bone obtained from a bone bank (cadaver bone) can be used for grafting.
  • Xenograft: Bovine (cow) bone is implanted. This type of graft is safe, widely used, and avoids the need for a secondary donor site.

Reasons for Bone Grafting

  • Dental Implants: Implants need a firm jawbone anchor. Bone grafting strengthens and thickens the site if natural bone is insufficient.
  • Sinus Lift: Elevates the sinus membrane and grafts bone to secure implant placement.
  • Ridge Augmentation: Restores uniformity to the jawbone in areas affected by trauma, birth defects, or severe periodontal disease.
  • Nerve Repositioning: Sometimes the inferior alveolar nerve must be repositioned to allow implants; bone grafting ensures proper support while protecting nerve function.

Bone Grafting Procedure

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used for extensive grafting. After preparing or harvesting the graft material, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the affected site, and the graft material is placed.

Enhancing Bone Regeneration

  • Gum/Bone Tissue Regeneration: A thin barrier membrane is placed over the graft to separate gum tissue from the slower-growing bone, allowing natural bone cells to migrate and regenerate.
  • Tissue Stimulating Proteins: Products like Emdogain contain enamel matrix proteins that encourage formation of periodontal attachment and restore lost support.
  • Platelet-Rich Growth Factors (PRGF): Concentrated platelets create a blood clot at the site, stimulating bone growth for a denser graft in less time.

The gum tissue is then sutured, and a follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within 10 days to assess healing. Bone grafting is highly successful and provides a strong foundation for future periodontal or dental restorations.

If you have any questions about bone grafting, please consult your dentist.