Bone Grafting: What Patients Should Know Before the Procedure

Dental bone graft surgery can treat various issues, including tooth replacement and advanced gum disease. However, we will only suggest this kind of treatment if it is essential and will improve your dental health.

What Is a Bone Graft and Why Is It Necessary?

A dental bone graft is nothing to be afraid of, even though it may sound intimidating. Its goal is to rebuild bone in the jaw, where it most requires. For instance, you might have experienced bone loss due to losing one or more teeth. After that, the grafting method works to strengthen the area.

When is Bone Grafting Necessary?

Bone grafting is required for patients who need dental implants but do not have enough healthy natural bones in their mouth to support them.

Natural bone insufficiency can be caused by:

• Face injury or trauma
• Development defects
• Gum disease
• Space after teeth extraction

How do Bone Grafts Work?

Bone can be effectively rebuilt or repaired with this surgical treatment. It works by utilising a bone tissue transplant in the area of bone loss. The body then uses the tissue to produce new cells and regenerate the bone in that area.

During the procedure, a little portion of bone is removed from another part of your jaw or body. Alternatively, artificial bone can be used. Other bone transplant tissues can be obtained from an animal, such as a cow. Another choice is to implant a bone graft of synthetic phosphorus, calcium, and hydroxylapatite material.

The most typical type of bone graft is called a “socket graft,” which preserves the socket’s structure and aids in preventing the collapse of the socket. You must wait between 4 and 6 months after the socket graft is finished before the implant can be inserted.

What to Know Before the Procedure?

Here are some things to remember if you ever find yourself in need of a dental bone graft.

#1. Pain isn’t as severe as it seems

At Casula Dental Care, we never want patients to experience pain while getting dental work done. It is the same when you have a dental bone graft. Our dentist will give the area a local anaesthetic so that it remains numb during the procedure.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you experience discomfort throughout the operation or after it is finished. We will do all possible to make you comfortable because we are here to help you as the patient.

#2. There are numerous types of bone grafting

Dental bone grafts have four main types:

• Sinus Lift– Maxillary sinuses above upper back teeth can invade space occupied by teeth roots. Implants may penetrate the sinus membrane, so oral surgeons can perform sinus lifts to raise the sinus and place dental bone grafts underneath, creating a solid foundation for dental implants.
• Ridge Augmentation– This can improve the width and volume of the missing jawbone, providing a stable foundation for implants or restorative options, especially when the jawbone is thinner.
• Periodontal Bone Graft– Gum disease infection can cause tooth looseness, requiring periodontal bone grafts to reduce mobility and provide additional support.
• Socket Preservation–This graft is put into the socket after tooth extraction. It restores the gap left by the missing tooth and keeps the socket’s sides from collapsing.

Although the specifics of each treatment may vary, all dental bone grafts function to strengthen and repair the jaw.

#3. Before proceeding to the next step, complete healing is necessary

Unfortunately, before receiving any dental restorations, your mouth must heal.

This means that if you’ve had a bone graft, you can’t start the dental implant process immediately away.

Your dentist will review the recovery period and what to anticipate after a bone graft.

After the procedure, there may be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising; however, these side effects should disappear in a few days.

Depending on your particular condition, you can be given an antibiotic and pain medicine prescription.

Your jaw should start to feel normal again after a few weeks.

However, it can take a few months to get a dental implant.

Periodically monitoring your progress will be important for your dentist to ensure your healing is proceeding as expected.

#4. The aftercare process is simple

A dental bone graft has minimal recovery time.

Your dentist advises you to avoid certain meals, drinks, and vigorous activities for at least a few days and give yourself time to heal correctly.

Other tips for your initial recuperation period include:

• To relieve discomfort or swelling, place an ice pack on your cheek.
• Consume soft, bland foods.
• Avoid hot liquids
• Sleep slightly elevated for 1-2 nights to prevent blood collection.

What to Do Before Bone Grafting Procedure?

Before the bone grafting procedure:

• Ensure previous dental work is completed and appliances are adjusted to prevent damage.
• Plan for limitations, including driving, staying with someone, filling pain medicines, taking days off work, and limited mobility.
• Review the surgeon’s instructions, including not eating or drinking after midnight.

Bone Grafting Procedures in Casula

If you’d like to know more about an upcoming dental bone graft procedure, look no further. Our Casula dentist can help provide the information you need before your treatment so you know what to expect.

Casula Dental Care is here to make every visit to the dentist affordable and as easy as possible for every patient.

Visit your Casula dentist today!

Call us at (02) 919 99695 or request your appointment online.

We are located at Shop 17A Casula Mall, 1 Ingham Drive in Casula.