Dental implants are the best replacement for lost teeth. To gain optimal results from dental implants, oral hygiene, the quality of the underlying bone, and the dentist’s skills should be good. Sometimes, the patient cannot get dental implants due to a lower bone density or poor bone quality. In such instances, bone grafting for dental implants is the solution. Dental implants and bone grafts are a very successful combination.
A bone graft is a foreign material used to augment the jaw bone. It makes the placement of dental implants possible, even in patients with bone loss. The bone loss can be due to any dental disease (periodontitis, etc.) or medical disease (diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.). Once bone grafting is complete, the implant can be positioned within the bone in the desired place and angulation.
Depending on their source, there are various types of bone grafts. These include autografts, allografts, xenografts, and alloplastic grafts. Let’s go through each type one by one.
These dental grafts are sourced from the patient’s body. The most common bone used for this purpose is a part of the hip bone, the iliac crest. It can also be taken from the chin. Being from the same body, autografts face minimal rejection and quickly adapt to the new place. This combination of dental implants and bone grafts is most successful.
Allografts are bone grafts in which the bone part is taken from a human tissue bank. Only biocompatible tissues are used. Bone grafts are also often derived from cadavers (dead bodies used for study by teaching hospitals and medical institutes).
Xenografts are bone grafts that are derived from animal tissue banks. From there, bone grafts suitable and biocompatible with the human body are chosen, matched and then used. The bone graft samples are purified and used afterward.
Alloplastic grafts are synthetic grafts, generally made from hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral in bones. They can be derived from natural sources or made in the labs. These are non-biological options.
As the name suggests, ceramic-based grafts are made from ceramic only or combined with other materials like calcium or bioactive glass.
Getting dental implants and bone grafts is beneficial for the patient. Following is an outline of the advantages of getting bone grafts:
When dental implants and bone grafts are placed, the patient might experience pain and swelling. Painkillers like ibuprofen can deal with this. The swelling might increase for the initial 3 days and decrease thereafter. Generally, the patients feel better after the stitches are removed. Some patients might complain of bleeding or numbness.
The delayed risk of bone grafts includes infection accompanied by facial pain and swelling. Moreover, it is alarming if the swelling or bruising begins after the first 3 days. In the case of smokers, it might be possible that the bone graft fails and produces insufficient bone for implant placement.
In rare instances, there can be long-term numbness, pain, or tingling sensations in the lips, cheeks, chin, and tongue. The worst-case scenario is the formation of a pathway between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus, known as an oral-antral fistula. This pathway can interfere with breathing, eating, and drinking.
It can be closed by surgery. However, risks like these are quite rare. One of the treatments includes removing bone grafts and placing a new graft after the infection has resolved.
The oral surgeon and periodontist should discuss the patient’s overall health, oral hygiene, and periodontal health before bone graft placement.
The first is giving the patient anesthesia after counseling and obtaining consent. The dentist usually gives local anesthesia. However, if the patient is anxious, IV sedation can also be administered. Other means of anesthesia include nitrous oxide sedation.
Bone grafts are obtained from the patient’s ideal bone, either the chin or hip bone. The graft must be available even if the dentist gets it from other sources. If the faulty, carious tooth is still present, it is removed.
The graft can be placed when tooth extraction is done after cleaning the socket. This should be done when the infection is not severe. However, an incision is given on the site of graft placement when extraction is not required. The bone is exposed after giving the incision. The placement of the bone graft follows this.
Last but not least, the bone graft site is sutured (stitched) with the help of pins, plates, wires, threads, or cables. In some situations, a titanium screw might be placed to hold the tissue together.
The last and most crucial phase is the recovery phase. The patients are generally allowed to return home the same day after the procedure. However, it is better if an attendant accompanies you to drive you home, as it is advisable not to drive after the procedure due to sedation.
Healing might take about 4 to 6 months, followed by implant placement. You should visit the dentist at the set appointments so that they can evaluate the status and prevent failure. Good nutrition and oral hygiene fasten the healing process.
To sum it up, dental implants and bone grafts are a successful combination if the patient abides by all the instructions, does not miss appointments, and the dentist is an expert in the procedures. Several benefits outweigh the risks and problems.
If you need dental implants and bone grafts have been advised, you can get in touch with our bone grafting experts in Paramus Park, NJ. Book your appointment with Paramus Park Oral Surgery, and we’ll handle the rest for you.
If you’re considering getting dental implants in Paramus Park, NJ, or have questions about them, feel free to contact us today at Paramus Park Oral Surgery. We will schedule a consultation with our expert dentist in Paramus Park, NJ, to answer your queries effectively. Take the first step towards restoring your beautiful smile!