Duration
1 Hour
Cost
200$
Additional Services
- Annual Check-Up
- Local Anesthesia
- Free Panorama X-ray
- Private Language Assistance
Table of Contents
Dental bone grafting is an effective solution for individuals who have experienced jawbone loss. It might be an essential step before many dental treatments, as it restores your bone density.
In this article, we are going to explain what bone grafting and membranes are, their importance, and how they work.
What Are The Reasons For Bone Loss?
- After tooth extraction without replacement with an implant or prosthetics, the jawbone will start to resorb.
- Untreated gum infections can also lead to bone loss, as well as destroy the soft tissue.
- Bone loss can occur in areas exposed to trauma.
- Tooth decay, especially deep cavities in proximal areas, leads to food accumulation, which causes the spread of infection to the jawbone, resulting in bone loss.
- Chronic diseases like osteoporosis or uncontrolled diabetes can also weaken bones and affect the jawbone.
- Bone density decreases naturally with age, which can affect the jawbone.
- The use of poorly fitting dentures for a long time will lead to gradual bone loss.
- Smoking reduces blood flow to the bone, which weakens the bone.
- Bad oral hygiene and the presence of calculus can directly affect the jawbone and cause bone loss.
What Is A Dental Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a surgical dental procedure in which the lost bone in the jaw is replaced.
This procedure is performed to enhance the density and structure of the jawbone. Usually, a bone graft is done to prepare the jawbone for dental implants or other restorative dental treatments.
In this procedure, the lost bone is replaced by adding bone material to the area where bone loss has occurred. Over time, the graft integrates with the existing bone.
Types Of Dental Bone Graft Materials
There are several types of bone graft materials that can be used in dentistry.
Autograft:
In this type, the bone material is taken from the patient’s own body, usually from the chin or hip. The healing and integration processes in this type are very fast, as they contain live bone cells and growth factors. That is why it is considered the gold standard for bone grafting.
Allograft:
The bone material is taken from a human donor. It is processed and sterilized to ensure safety. It is less invasive as it doesn’t require a second surgical site.
Xenograft:
The graft bone comes from an animal source, usually cows or pigs.
Alloplast:
It is a synthetic bone graft, made from biocompatible materials such as calcium phosphate or bioactive glass. This type reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Combination Graft:
It is a mix of different graft materials, such as autograft and allograft, so we will get the benefits of each type.
What Are The Purpose And Benefits Of A Dental Bone Graft?
Dental bone grafting is a very important procedure that not only provides an immediate solution for bone loss but also offers long-term benefits for oral health, function, and aesthetics.
Purposes and benefits:
- In some dental implant cases, a bone graft should be done first, as it increases the bone density in areas where bone loss has occurred, providing a stable and strong foundation for the implant.
- Bone grafting prevents further bone loss caused by tooth extraction, gum disease, or trauma.
- From an aesthetic perspective, it restores facial structure by rebuilding the jawbone, which supports facial muscles.
- Usually, bone loss cases lead to dental issues such as teeth shifting or teeth movement, in such cases, bone grafting will be the perfect solution.
- In cases of gum recession, a bone graft may need to be done first to provide support for the grafted tissue.
What Is A Dental Membrane?
The dental membrane is a thin, biocompatible material used in many dental procedures. They are primarily used in bone grafting.
The benefits of the membrane in the bone graft procedure:
- It acts as a barrier between the grafting material and the surrounding tissues to protect the graft site and promote the healing process.
- The membrane helps guide the growth of bone cells into the area of bone loss.
- It ensures that the new bone tissue forms in the correct location without interference from surrounding soft tissues.
- Provide optimal conditions for bone growth.
- Preventing complications like infection or unwanted tissue growth.
Dental membranes can be made from various materials. There are two main types of membranes:
- Resorbable membranes: They are made from materials that break down over time and are absorbed by the body.
- Non-resorbable membranes: This type of membrane can be made from synthetic or natural materials, and it requires removal after the healing process is complete.
Dental Bone Graft Procedure
The bone graft procedure is considered a minor dental surgery, which is usually performed under local anesthesia. Also, sedation might be used according to the patient’s preference.
- An initial consultation and evaluation of the case should be done. Your dentist will perform a clinical examination and order X-rays for your oral cavity so they can assess the extent of bone loss and decide which type of bone graft material will be suitable for your case.
- The first step of the procedure is to numb the area where the bone graft will be placed, so the patient will be comfortable during the surgery.
- The dentist will make a small incision in the gum to access the area of bone loss.
- The graft material will be placed directly in the area of bone loss. So, the graft stimulates bone growth in this area and integrates with the jawbone.
- The dental membrane will be used in most cases to secure the graft in place, protect the graft area, prevent infection at the surgical site, and support bone growth.
- The dentist will close the incision, and the area will be sutured to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort.
- After finishing the procedure, your dentist will provide instructions for aftercare and prescribe pain relief medications to manage post-surgical pain.
Dental Bone Graft Recovery Process
Usually, dental bone graft procedures have a high success rate, ranging from 90% to 95%. The success of the bone graft procedures mainly depends on how the recovery process progresses.
To achieve the best outcomes, it is extremely essential that your bone graft surgery is performed by a skilled dentist with the best technology. There are a variety of factors that can affect the success of the process and the time needed for full recovery, such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of bone loss, and the type of graft material used.
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is mandatory to ensure proper healing and to guarantee full integration between the graft and the jawbone.
Healing Stages of a Dental Bone Graft Procedure :
First week
- Immediate healing takes place. Swelling, mild to moderate pain, discomfort, and bruising are common and completely normal. Using pain medications as prescribed by your dentist will be very helpful during this period. To reduce swelling, you can use:
- Cold compresses for 24-48 hours after the surgery.
- After that, warm compresses are recommended to improve blood flow and promote healing.
- Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics after surgery to prevent infection in the graft site.
1 To 3 Months
- At this stage, bone regeneration starts to occur, and the graft material begins to integrate with the jawbone.
After 3-6 months
- By this time, the healing should be completed, and the process of bone regeneration is finished. Now the graft is fully integrated with the jawbone, and the patient is ready to start further dental procedures.
What Not To Do After A Dental Bone Graft?
- Bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol after surgery are forbidden, as smoking can slow down healing and reduce blood flow to the graft site, which leads to graft failure.
- Also, alcohol can negatively affect healing, and it might interact with your post-surgical medications.
- Don’t touch the surgical site with your fingers or your tongue to prevent irritation and infection.
- Don’t eat hard or crunchy food during the first stages of the healing process. Your dentist will tell you when you can gradually return to your normal diet.
- Don’t use your toothbrush at the surgical site during the first 2 weeks after surgery, and follow your dentist’s oral care instructions to maintain proper oral health.
- Your medications are very important to manage pain, reduce swelling, and prevent infection, so don’t skip any of them.
- Don’t miss your follow-up appointments with your dentist. During these visits, your dentist will monitor your healing progress and detect any complications early so they can ensure the success of your surgery.
What Is The Downside Of A Bone Graft?
As with any other surgery, a bone graft has some disadvantages. You need to fully understand these issues before undergoing the procedure:
- Patients may experience swelling, mild to moderate pain, and discomfort during the first week after surgery.
- Like any other surgery, there is a risk of infection at the graft site. Following aftercare instructions and medications prescribed by your dentist is very important to avoid that risk.
- In cases of autografts, pain and a risk of infection at the donor site are possible to occur.
- The healing process time of some types of bone grafts ranges from 3 to 6 months, which is considered a long recovery period. This can delay the performance of other dental procedures, as bone grafts are usually performed before treatments like dental implants.
- Graft failure is still a possibility, as in some cases, the graft may not integrate with the existing jawbone.
- Allergy to the graft material used or injury to nerves or tissues at the graft site are uncommon but still pose a slight risk.
Signs Of Failed Dental Bone Graft
Signs of bone graft failure vary from person to person. The following are some common signs:
- Prolonged, continuous, and severe pain at the graft site may indicate a serious problem. If this happens, see your dentist immediately to assess your case.
- Signs of infection such as fever, excessive swelling, redness around the graft site, pus, fluid, or unusual discharge from the graft site.
- If the graft material becomes exposed in the oral cavity, it means that the graft is not integrated properly with the jawbone.
- After the placement of a dental implant that uses the grafted bone for support, the mobility of these implants is a sign of bone graft failure.
- Bone graft failure occurs if the surgical site doesn’t heal during the normal recovery period, which ranges from 3 to 6 months.
- The process may not be successful if bone loss continues to occur or new bone does not form at the surgical site.
Dental Bone Graft Cost In Suave Clinic In Istanbul
Bone grafting is generally considered an expensive dental procedure. That is because of many reasons, such as the equipment used to perform the procedure, the expensive graft material used, whether it is autograft or synthetic grafts, the advanced techniques and materials used during the surgery, the complexity of the surgery, the expertise of the dentist, and the follow-up care throughout the long recovery period.
The cost of the dental bone graft procedure outside Turkey usually costs between 2,000$ and 3,000$. However, in Turkey, you can get the same procedure done with a cost range between $200 and $600, according to the complexity of the case, the type of graft used, and the number of it.
At Suave Clinic, you can benefit from affordable prices without compromising on quality or results. As our dentists are highly skilled, they use very advanced techniques to perform these procedures.
Dental Bone Graft and Memebrane FAQs
How Painful Is Dental Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is usually performed under local anesthesia. Sometimes, sedation can also be used to make sure the patient is very comfortable during the surgery. It should be pain-free. After the procedure, the patient may experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort, which is very common and normal. This pain can be managed by using pain relief medication as prescribed by your dentist. This pain should be gone within a week after surgery. If you experience severe pain, that is continuous for more than one week, you must contact your dentist as it might be a sign of a serious problem.
Do I Really Need A Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction?
Whether you need a bone graft after a tooth extraction depends on your specific case. Your dentist will evaluate your case and recommend the best option for you. Generally, if there is enough natural bone remaining after the extraction, you may not need a graft.
How Can The Dentist Tell If You Need A Bone Graft?
To determine if you need a bone graft or not, your dentist will review your medical history, examine your gums and jawbone, and take an X-ray or CT scan to evaluate your case and assess your bone structure and density. If you are planning to have a dental implant and there is insufficient bone to support the implant, or if bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be recommended.
Is A Bone Graft Major Surgery?
A bone graft is not considered major surgery; however, while it’s not highly invasive, it still requires proper care to ensure successful results. This procedure requires careful planning and recovery, as the recovery can take several months because the graft needs time to fully integrate with the bone. It’s usually done under local anesthesia. Also, sedation can be used according to the patient’s preference.