What is a bone graft?

Bone grafting is a technique employed when there is a deficiency of bone in the jaw to accommodate implants. The causes of bone loss can range from tooth infections and gum disease to excessive bone extraction during tooth removal, or prolonged absence of teeth. Depending on the extent of bone needed to rehabilitate the jawbone, various types of bone grafts are available, paving the way for the placement of an implant several months subsequently.

What are the different types of bone graft?

● Socket Preservation: This fundamental bone grafting technique involves inserting bone shavings into the extraction site to maintain the necessary bone width and/or height for future implant placement, serving as a simple yet effective approach to preserving bone structure.

● Block Grafting: In cases of substantial bone loss, a block grafting procedure can be employed. This involves using a solid piece of bone, either harvested from the patient's jaw or sourced from a donation, which is then secured into the defect using screws to aid the regeneration process.

● Sinus Lift: Located within the posterior maxilla (upper jaw) is a cavity known as the maxillary sinus. A sinus lift is a specialized procedure aimed at augmenting the bone height in the maxilla. It is achieved by carefully elevating the sinus membrane and placing bone material beneath it, thereby fostering bone development and enhancing the available bone height for a dental implant.

Which type of bone graft will I need?

Every technique comes with its own set of pros and cons, and each scenario is unique. During the consultation, Drs. Farshidi, and Kwon will engage in an extensive discussion about all the available methods tailored to your situation.

Where does the bone come from?

Bone can be sourced from three primary origins: animal, human, or one's own body. Each variety of bone presents its own set of benefits and drawbacks, but the essential point is that all are safe and efficacious for their intended uses. Every bone graft substance undergoes a stringent procedure of multiple cleanings and examinations before receiving approval and being considered safe for implantation in humans. Should you have any religious or personal preferences against using specific bone graft materials, kindly inform the doctors during your consultation visit.

What is the recovery like after bone grafting?

The usual healing timeline following a bone graft can differ based on the intricacy of the situation. Generally, one can anticipate experiencing swelling and slight discomfort for a duration of 3-5 days. The majority of individuals resume their regular activities within 1-2 weeks. Our team will go over the post-operative guidelines with you, both verbally and in writing, on the day of your surgery.