About Bone Grafting
What is Bone Grafting?
Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies and is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for the placement of dental implants.
With bone grafting we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is missing, but we also have the ability to promote new bone growth in that location. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Types of Bone Grafts
Allogenic Bone
Allogenic bone, or allograft, is dead bone harvested from a cadaver, then processed using a freeze-dry method to extract the water via a vacuum. Unlike autogenous bone, allogenic bone cannot produce new bone on its own. Rather, it serves as a framework, or scaffold, over which bone from the surrounding bony walls can grow to fill the defect or void.
Autogenous Bone Grafts
Autogenous bone grafts, also known as autografts, are made from your own bone, taken from somewhere else in the body. The bone is typically harvested from the chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or the skull. Autogenous bone grafts are advantageous in that the graft material is your own live bone, meaning it contains living cellular elements that enhances bone growth, also eliminating the risk of your body rejecting the graft material since it comes from you.
However, one downside to the autograft is that it requires a second procedure to harvest bone from elsewhere in the body. Depending on your condition, a second procedure may not be recommended.
Xenogenic Bone
Xenogenic bone is derived from non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid the potential for immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void.
Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting have an advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest your own bone, as with autografts. However, because these options lack autograft’s bone-forming properties, bone regeneration may take longer than with autografts, and have a less predictable outcome.
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Bone Graft Substitutes
As a substitute to using real bone many synthetic materials are available as safe and proven alternatives, including:
Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)/Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA)
This product is processed allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors that are extracted from the allograft bone. It is available in the form of powder, putty, chips, or as a gel that can be injected through a syringe.
Graft Composites
Graft composites consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of a variety of substances. Some combinations may include: collagen/ceramic composite, which closely resembles the composition of natural bone, DBM combined with bone marrow cells, which aid in the growth of new bone, or a collagen/ceramic/autograft composite.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are proteins naturally produced in the body that promote and regulate bone formation and healing.
Synthetic materials also have the advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits. Dr. Kim, Dr. Wahan, Dr. Brady or Dr. Altmann will determine which type of bone graft material best suited to your particular needs.
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What Our Patients’ Say
FAQs
How do I know if my jaw has enough bone right now?
Jawbone levels are evaluated through a clinical exam and imaging that show the height, width, and density of the bone. This information helps determine whether the bone can support everyday function or planned dental treatment, or if additional support may be needed.
Is bone grafting a minor procedure or a surgical one?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure, but it is commonly performed and carefully planned. The scope of the procedure depends on how much bone needs to be rebuilt and where the graft is placed, which helps guide the level of care and recovery involved.
Will I be awake during a bone graft procedure?
Bone grafting can be completed with different comfort options depending on the treatment plan. These options are reviewed in advance so the procedure can be performed safely while keeping the patient as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
What should I expect during the first few days after a bone graft?
It is common to experience swelling, tenderness, or minor discomfort in the treated area during the first few days. Aftercare instructions are provided to support healing, protect the graft, and reduce irritation while the area begins to recover.
Does bone grafting affect nearby teeth or existing dental work?
Bone grafting is planned with careful attention to surrounding teeth and structures. The goal is to strengthen the area without placing stress on nearby teeth or interfering with existing dental restorations.
Is bone grafting always required before moving forward with treatment?
Bone grafting is not automatically required for every patient. It is only recommended when existing bone support is not sufficient, and a thorough evaluation helps determine whether grafting is necessary or if treatment can proceed without it.