Bone grafting

Dental bone grafting is a dental surgery to replace or reshape the bone supporting teeth. Jawbone can easily become damaged after tooth loss or injury and without sufficient bone in the jaw, procedures such as dental implants are impossible. Dentists rebuild the jawbone using donor bone to stabilise teeth, ensure subsequent dental procedures are successful and to prevent further loss of bone for aesthetic purposes. Soft tissue grafting of the gum is often needed at the same time as jawbone augmentation.

Where do dentists get the bone for dental bone grafting?

Dentists can choose three types of replacement bone to rebuild the jawbone:

• Autogenous bone graft - using bone taken from another area of the patients body
• Allograft bone graft - using cadever bone (donated bone from a bone bank) or synthetic bone
• Xeograft -using bone taken from cows (this method of grafting is rarely used)

The preferable method with the highest success rate is autogenous bone grafting using bone taken from the patients hip as the hip bone contains bone-forming cells within the inner tissue (bone marrow). Bone may be taken from the chin or shin of a patient if the hip bone is not suitable.

What is the procedure for dental bone grafting?

There are different techniques for performing bone augmentation of the jawbone. Commonly, dentists make an incision in the gum to reveal the existing bone. Small holes are then drilled into this bone to make it bleed. Blood cells encourage healing and bone growth and increase the chance of successful grafting of the new bone.The area for the bone graft is thoroughly cleaned by a hygienist and the donor bone is inserted into the graft area using titanium screws to hold it in place. Tissue membranes are then placed over the bone graft itself to prevent soft tissue growth around the graft before it has secured to the existing bone and to protect the graft from infection.

Bone grafts normally heal within 6 months however it can take up 12 months before the new bone is strong enough to support dental implants.

Related guides

• Teeth Cavities
• Missing teeth
• Fractured/Broken teeth
• Root Canal Treatment
• Bone grafting
• Sinus Lifting

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Gum disease
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Common Dental Problems
• Teeth whitening
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implants
• Dental Crowns
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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