What Is a Dental Bone Graft? Purpose, Types, and How the Procedure Works
Dental bone grafting is a common procedure that adds bone material to the jaw for improved oral health. A dental bone graft is often recommended when the jawbone has deteriorated, and tooth support is negatively impacted. Dental issues such as tooth loss, tooth or jaw injury, gum disease, and advanced tooth decay can cause jawbone loss over time. Bone grafting is usually necessary to prevent further bone loss and support dental restorations such as dental implants, allowing for improved oral health and restored smile function and appearance.
What is a Dental Bone Graft?
What is a dental bone graft? The common dental bone graft definition is the addition of bone material to the jaw. The main purpose of a dental bone graft is to enhance the volume, density, and strength of the jawbone after deterioration has occurred. A bone graft dental procedure is often performed along with the placement of dental implants. Sufficient bone quality and quantity are necessary to support dental implants and their longevity. Without proper bone support, implant failure is possible.
Why Do You Need a Dental Bone Graft?
Bone loss can negatively impact oral health and your facial structure, making it an important piece of your overall health. The need for a dental bone graft is determined by your dental professional after a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and jaws is completed. Common reasons for dental bone grafts include tooth loss, advanced gum disease (periodontitis), or trauma or injury to the face, jaws, or oral cavity. A healthy jawbone is needed to preserve your natural facial shape and structure.
A dental bone graft can also provide a stable foundation for natural teeth and dental restorations like implants. The success and survival of dental implants are significantly impacted by sufficient bone volume and density, allowing for durability and proper function.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
There are four types of dental bone grafts used, including:
- Autografts: Bone taken from your own body.
- Allografts: Bone from a donor (human).
- Xenografts: Bone from an animal (typically a cow).
- Alloplasts: Synthetic bone materials.
| Graft Type | Source | Pros | Cons |
| Autograft | Patient’s own bone (jaw, hip, tibia) |
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| Allograft | Human donor bone (cadaver) |
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| Xenograft | Animal bone (typically bovine/cow) |
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| Alloplast | Synthetic bone materials (i.e., ceramic) |
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The Dental Bone Grafting Procedure
A dental bone graft procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation using advanced technology to assess the extent of bone loss and overall dental condition. Your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan, including the type of graft material to be used. They will explain how the dental bone graft works and the bone grafting steps of the procedure. Once prepared, the specific area will be numbed with local anesthesia for improved comfort throughout the procedure. A small incision in the gums will be made to access the jawbone. The area is then cleaned and prepared for the bone grafting material, which is then placed. A protective membrane material may be placed, and the area is sealed. The procedure typically lasts between 20 minutes to 90 minutes. It is critical to follow all post-operative care instructions recommended by your dental professional for a quick and healthy recovery.
Recovery After a Dental Bone Graft
Dental bone graft recovery is simple when proper care is followed. After the bone graft, care instructions will be explained by your dental professional, which should be followed to ensure a smooth recovery. Recovery time typically involves 1 to 2 weeks of initial healing, where any swelling and discomfort are gradually reduced. This is followed by 3 to 6 or more months for full healing time. Although complications are rare, you should watch out for concerning signs and symptoms such as increased or persistent swelling, pus discharge, severe pain, fever, or loss of the graft material, which require immediate evaluation from a healthcare professional.
Risks and Complications of Dental Bone Grafting
Like with any surgical procedure, there are risks of a dental bone graft to keep in mind. Complications of bone grafts, although rare, can include infection, graft rejection, and prolonged healing times. Fortunately, risks can be easily minimized by following the post-operative instructions given by your dental professional. You should avoid touching the graft site to prevent infection and continuously monitor for abnormal signs and symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience concerning or worsening signs or symptoms. It is important to manage any chronic medical conditions, get adequate rest, stay hydrated with water, consume a healthy diet, and take any prescribed medications exactly as directed for faster healing. Avoid smoking, which can delay healing and lead to graft failure. Attend all follow-up appointments for early detection and treatment of any complications.
Benefits of Dental Bone Grafting
There are many long-term benefits of dental bone grafts, ranging from supporting dental implant success to improving oral health. Dental bone grafts have high success rates and produce long-lasting results. They allow dental implants to successfully fuse to the jawbone and support the daily force from natural chewing. Adding healthy bone to the jaws can also restore oral health and function by improving speech, chewing, and biting efficiency. Dental bone grafts can even help preserve natural facial structure and prevent further bone loss by stimulating new bone growth.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Bone Graft?
Your dental professional will give you an estimated bone graft healing time based on your specific treatment plan and procedure performed. After 1 to 2 weeks, your soft tissues, swelling, and any discomfort should resolve on their own. Complete healing after a bone graft procedure typically takes, on average, between 3 to 6 months. The graft material may take several months to fuse with the jawbone, depending on factors like individual health and graft type, size, and location. The dental implant timeline is often within 6 to 12 months after the bone graft has completely healed.
What is the Cost of Dental Bone Grafting?
Dental bone graft cost can vary depending on many factors. The average cost of a dental bone graft ranges between $200 $3,000 or more. Bone graft pricing is commonly affected by the type of graft chosen, case complexity, geographic location, and insurance coverage. Dental insurance for a bone graft can depend on your exact plan. Many plans offer partial coverage for dental bone grafts when deemed medically necessary. It is important to contact your dental professional and insurance provider to determine your exact coverage and payment options.
Can Dental Bone Grafting Be Combined with Other Treatments?
It is very common to combine a dental bone graft with other dental procedures, such as dental implants or sinus lifts. Dental bone grafting significantly increases the stability and longevity of a dental implant. A sinus lift with bone graft may be necessary when the upper jaw height needs to be increased for successful implant placement. Tooth extraction and bone grafting may also be performed simultaneously to prevent bone resorption. In some cases, a bone graft is placed first and allowed approximately 3 to 6 months to heal before performing additional treatments.
