Bone graft surgery is ideal for those who have a missing tooth
A dental bone graft may be recommended when tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, infection or long-term dentures have caused jawbone loss. The procedure rebuilds missing bone, often before dental implants, helping create a stronger foundation for replacement teeth. Your dentist may use scans or X-rays to assess suitability, explain graft options, healing stages, risks and expected treatment time and recovery care.
A dental bone graft refers to a surgery that helps repair or rebuild bones. This is done by transplanting healthy bone tissues so that missing bone and support tissues can be recreated.
Dental bone graft operations are often given to patients who are experiencing bad health of nearby gums and teeth in their mouth as a result of the loss of bone. The most common symptom of bone loss is loose teeth. This is especially true in smokers. Smoking causes gum disease. As your gums recede, so does the bone, leaving teeth without support.
When a tooth is missing, so is the bone that belonged to the patient – this may require the patient to have a bone graft operation depending on the condition of the patient’s jawline.
People who have experienced tooth loss are also likely to experience bone loss in their mouth and jaw. One very popular treatment for missing teeth that is both permanent and long-lasting is a dental implant. The entire process is described here.
Other people who are also eligible for getting a bone graft are:
- Those who want to receive implants for missing teeth
- Individuals who have tooth loss and/or gum disease
- People who have a bone loss
Bone graft operations are essential to reverse the bone loss that has been caused as a result of trauma, periodontal disease, infection, missing teeth or ill-fitting/damaged dentures.
Patients who have been missing teeth for a significant amount of time will begin to experience jawline recession and loss of density.
The surgery also helps to ensure the jawbone is bulked up and strong for the patient so they do not have any pain with their teeth, jaw, mouth and the bones in their mouth.
There are three different types of bone graft used:
- Autogenous – when the bone is taken from one area of the patient and transplanted into their jaw
- Allograft – bone that is either synthetic or taken from a bone bank
- Xenograft – bone used from a cow or bovine
When a dentist is preparing to start the bone graft procedure, they will begin by taking X-rays of the teeth and jaw to ensure that the correct surgery is being offered to you instead of an alternative that may be non-invasive.
Bone grafting is a long surgery that has multiple stages involved with the operation, the steps include:
- Removing damaged tooth/teeth
- (When needed) prepare to graft the jawbone
- Placing the dental implant
- Growing and healing the bone
- Placing the abutment
- Placing the artificial tooth
Dental patients who have undergone bone graft surgery believe that the results are worth the cost of the treatment.
Aside from feeling happy with their physical appearance, they are also happy to improve their oral hygiene as the bone graft reduces people’s risks of developing serious long-term health issues linked to tooth loss and gum disease.
The procedure is very common amongst dentists in the UK and has a low risk of errors occurring when the operation is performed.
Research different clinics before deciding on one for your bone graft until you find the one that is perfect for you! Don’t risk your health for a cheaper cost when there is always one that meets your financial and deliverance expectations.
Read More
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS: Bone grafting for dental implants
Explains why bone grafting may be needed before dental implants and outlines the types of graft available. - Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust: Bone grafting for dental implants
NHS guidance explaining how grafting increases the amount of jawbone available for implant placement. - British Association of Oral Surgeons: Bone grafting patient information
UK oral surgery patient leaflet covering why grafting is suggested, including bone loss after tooth loss, infection or trauma. - BPI Dental: Bone grafting for dental implants
UK specialist dental centre guidance on rebuilding missing bone to create a stronger foundation for dental implants. - The Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic: Bone grafting for dental implants
UK dentist article explaining what dental bone grafting is, why it may be recommended and what patients can expect during recovery.