TL;DR
- A dental graft is used to restore jawbone density and width. It provides strength and stability for implants, dentures, and natural teeth.
- Common causes of bone loss include tooth extraction, gum disease, trauma or injury, and missing teeth that are not replaced in time.
- There are many types of bone grafts that can be used, like autografts, allografts, xenografts, alloplasts, ceramic, and polymer-based substitutes.
- Bone grafting procedure involves planning, anesthesia, placement of the graft, suturing, healing, and follow-up care, with up to 3-6 months needed for full bone integration.
- Choosing the right dental bone graft specialist in Minnesota will ensure a successful treatment and gentle, advanced care.
Dental Bone Grafts: What You Need to Know
Bone loss is more common than most people realize. It can happen after a tooth is lost, from an injury, or from gum (periodontal) disease. Over time, this bone loss affects the way you chew, speak, and also the way you look. Chewing can become uncomfortable; your facial features might change, and even getting dental implants to replace the missing teeth might not be feasible, since the bone support is lost.
A dental bone graft can change that. Rebuilding the jawbone restores the strength and structure that is needed to support your teeth and implants. In this guide, we will look at how a dental bone graft specialist performs the procedure, its benefits, the recovery, and how to find a trusted specialist in Minnesota.
What is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is an oral surgical procedure that helps restore the jaw’s natural structure and density. During the process, your dentist or a dental bone graft specialist places a bone graft material, which can be natural or synthetic, in the area where there is bone loss.
This material acts like a scaffold that supports bone growth. Over time, as the natural bone grows, it absorbs the graft, gradually forming a fully integrated section of new bone. This provides a stable foundation that can support implants and dentures.
One of the following grafting materials can be used:
1. Autografts: The bone is taken from your own body (usually from the chin, hip, or shin). Autografts offer the highest compatibility and success rate, but require two surgical sites.
2. Allografts: These grafts come from another human donor. The graft is sterilized, processed, and sourced from a bone bank.
3. Xenografts: Bone is sourced from a species other than humans, usually bovine animals like cows.
4. Alloplasts: Alloplastic bone grafts are made from synthetic materials to be used as substitutes. The most commonly used material is hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring mineral in your bone.
5. Ceramic-based grafts: These are made with ceramic alone or in combination with other materials like bioactive glass, calcium sulfate, and calcium phosphate.
6. Polymer-based grafts: Grafts are made with natural or synthetic polymers and are designed to be reabsorbed by the body safely.
Why You Might Need a Bone Graft?
Our experts at Periodontal Specialists recommend bone grafting in the following situations:
- Missing teeth: When you have a missing tooth (due to trauma, injury, or extraction) that has not been replaced, the surrounding bone starts to shrink within months, leading to bone loss.
- Advanced gum disease: Severe infection can destroy both the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth.
- Dental implants: Bone grafts create a stable foundation for the implant to be placed securely in your jawbone. Studies show that nearly 50% of implant sites require bone grafting to rebuild the jaw before placement.
- Facial restoration: Grafting can restore natural facial appearance and prevent facial sagging that may happen due to severe bone loss. They are also used for restorative work following facial injury or trauma.
- Support for dentures and bridges: Bone grafts can also offer support for dentures or dental bridges when the existing bone is insufficient. They can also be used for repair after a cyst or tumor removal.
Step-by-Step Bone Graft Procedure
The exact steps may be different depending on the location of the bone graft. But this is what you should expect during the procedure:
- Treatment Planning: Your specialist will use X-rays and 3D scans to check bone density and quality and determine how much grafting is needed. They’ll discuss the treatment plan with you and also determine which bone graft will be used for your case.
- Step 1: Anesthesia: Your dentist will use anesthesia to numb the site before the procedure begins. You can also choose sedation if you have dental anxiety and want to be put to sleep during the surgery.
- Step 2: Placement of the bone graft: A small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone. Once the area is prepped and disinfected, the graft material is placed in the areas of bone loss. The bone graft is then covered with a membrane to protect it.
- Step 3: Securing the graft: Once the graft is securely placed, the gums are repositioned, and the dentist will suture the area.
- Step 4: Recovery and follow-up: Mild swelling or soreness is normal after the procedure. You will need a minimum of 3-6 months to heal before you can get dental implants or any other restorative work. Your dentist will also schedule follow-ups to check on the surgical site and your healing progress.
- Healing: To promote healing, follow your dentist’s instructions. Apply an ice pack to the area to help minimize swelling, and eat soft foods until the surgical area begins to heal. Your dentist might also prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Finding a Dental Bone Graft Specialist in Minnesota
Bone grafting is a specialized procedure that needs skill, precision, and an understanding of both surgical and restorative dentistry.
When looking for a dental bone graft specialist, keep the following in mind:
- Choose a periodontist or an oral surgeon, preferably with advanced training in bone grafting and implant procedures.
- Look at their experience in grafting techniques, ask about their success rate, and read patient reviews and testimonials.
- Clinics that use advanced technology like digital imaging, biomaterials, and guided surgery tend to achieve more desirable outcomes.
- Look for local clinics in Minnesota that prioritize patient comfort, clear communication, and offer aftercare support.
Final Thoughts
A healthy jawbone is the foundation of a strong and confident smile. So, if you have experienced bone loss due to a missing tooth, injury, or gum disease, a skilled dental bone graft specialist can help rebuild your jaw and protect your oral health.
At Periodontal Specialists, our mission has always been to improve our patients’ quality of life through advanced periodontal care, implants, and bone loss repair. Our periodontist specialists combine precision, compassion, and their years of expertise to offer the best services across five locations in Minnesota: Northfield, Red Wing, Owatonna, Rochester, and Winona.
To explore bone grafting options or schedule a consultation, simply fill out this form and take the first step toward a healthy and happy smile.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from a dental bone graft?
Most patients recover from the initial discomfort within 1-2 days, while it takes 1-2 weeks for the graft and the site to start healing. Complete bone integration can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months before implant or any other restorative treatment can be performed.
Can everyone qualify for a dental bone graft?
Most adults can be good candidates for the procedure. However, your dentist will review your overall health, check your medical and medication history, along with your bone condition, before the treatment plan is made.
How much does a dental bone graft cost in Minnesota?
The cost of a bone graft can change; it depends on the type of bone graft and the extent of bone loss. However, on average, a bone graft can cost anywhere between $549 and $5,148.
How soon after a bone graft can I get dental implants?
Dental implants can only be placed after your bone has completely healed. This can be verified with imaging, but it can take 3 to 9 months after the graft has been placed.
Can a normal dentist do a bone graft?
A general dentist can place simple grafts. But in complex cases and for favorable outcomes, the expertise of a dental bone graft specialist or periodontist is recommended.
