Dental implants are a modern and reliable solution for restoring lost teeth. However, for successful anchoring of the implant and long-term durability, the condition of the jaw bone tissue plays an important role. If there is not enough bone or it is too weak, bone grafting may be necessary. In this article, you will learn why bone grafting is necessary, how the procedure is performed, what types of grafting exist, and how to properly recover from the procedure.
Why is bone grafting important?
After tooth removal, the bone in the area of the tooth socket gradually loses volume. During the first 6 months, the loss can be up to 60% of the bone mass. Without sufficient thickness and height of the bone, there is simply no way to reliably install the dental implant.
Bone grafting helps:
- Provide strong support for the implant
- Restore the aesthetic shape of the gums
- Reduce the risk of complications and implant rejection
If bone augmentation is neglected, the implant may become loose or not grow at all.
In what cases is bone grafting necessary?
Bone grafting is necessary when:
- Bone loss due to long-term tooth loss
- Periodontitis or other inflammatory diseases that destroy the bone
- Trauma and fractures of the jaw
- Anatomical features of the jaw structure
Before the procedure, the doctor performs a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess the volume and density of the bone and select the optimal treatment method.
Types of bone grafts
There are several options available for bone-strengthening materials:
Autogenous material (own bone):
- Taken from the lower jaw, chin, or femur
- It takes root well but requires further surgical intervention.
Allograft (human donor bone):
- During treatment and sterilization
- Saves you from taking your own bone
Xenograft (animal bone material):
- Most commonly used are bovine bones that have been cleaned of organic material.
- Biocompatible, but the osseointegration process may take longer
Synthetic materials (hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate):
- Does not cause immune reactions
- It is replaced more slowly by natural bone
The choice of material depends on the clinical situation, patient preferences, and the surgeon's experience.
How does bone grafting work?
The bone grafting procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation. The main steps of the procedure:
- The incision in the gums to access the bone tissue
- Cleaning the area of inflammation and pathological tissue
- Installation of the graft and its fixation
- Membrane coating for protection and accelerated regeneration
- Sutures on gums
In some cases, one-stage implantation is possible - installation of an implant immediately after bone grafting. However, most often you have to wait 3 to 6 months for the graft to grow into the jaw.
Recovery after bone grafting
The rehabilitation period requires patience and compliance with all the doctor's recommendations. In the first few days, swelling, pain, and slight bleeding are possible. To speed up healing and avoid complications:
- Cool your cheeks during the first 24 hours
- Take prescribed antibiotics and painkillers
- Avoid hard, hot, and spicy foods
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Limit physical activity
The final recovery takes several months. After that, the doctor will assess the result and set a date for implantation.
Possible risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur with bone transplantation:
- Inflammation and infection
- Transplant rejection
- Perforation of the maxillary sinus (with extension into the upper jaw)
However, with the care and professionalism of the surgeon, these risks are minimal.
The bottom line
Bone grafting before implantation is an important step towards a healthy and beautiful smile. Thanks to modern materials and technologies, even significant amounts of lost bone can be restored. The most important thing is to entrust your health to an experienced specialist, follow the recommendations, and take your time with the implantation to achieve a reliable and long-lasting result.
