Bone Graft

A bone graft is a surgical procedure commonly used in dental treatments, aiming to increase the bone volume in the jaw. This procedure is employed before implant placement or for the restoration of lost bone tissue in the jaw. In this article, you will learn what a bone graft is, how it is applied, who it is suitable for, and information about the recovery process.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft involves the addition of bone taken from the body or synthetic bone materials to areas of deficient or weakened bone in the jaw through a surgical procedure. This procedure can be applied for various dental treatments, such as implant therapy, replacing lost bone tissue after tooth extraction, or gum surgery.

Types of Bone Grafts

1. Autogenous Bone Graft: This type of graft involves using bone tissue taken from the patient’s own body. Bone is usually taken from the jaw or hip to create an ideal jaw structure for implant therapy.

2. Allogeneic Bone Graft: This type of graft is made using bone tissue obtained from donors. Allogeneic grafts often come in ready-to-use packages and can be an alternative to grafts taken from the patient’s own bone tissue.

3. Xenograft: This type of graft is typically derived from animal sources, often using bones from cows or pigs. Xenografts made from these sources are well-tolerated by the human body and can promote bone formation.

4. Synthetic Bone Materials: Some bone grafts are made from synthetic materials. These materials are usually produced in laboratory conditions and are not perceived as foreign substances by the body.

Stages of Bone Graft Application

The application of a bone graft involves the following steps:

1. Examination and Evaluation: The dentist conducts an examination and takes X-rays to assess the condition of the jawbone.

2. Selection of Graft Material: Depending on the patient’s condition, the appropriate bone graft material is chosen.

3. Graft Application: The graft material is added to the deficient or weak bone area and placed to support the jawbone.

4. Recovery Process: The recovery process is awaited to ensure the integration of the graft with the jawbone. This process generally takes several months.

Who is it Suitable For?

A bone graft is typically considered in the following situations:

1. Insufficient Bone Volume for Implant Placement: A bone graft may be considered when there is not enough bone for implant placement.

2. Bone Loss Following Natural Tooth Loss: After natural tooth loss, a bone graft may be applied to restore bone loss in the jaw.

3. Unnatural Shape of the Jawbone: Bone grafts can be used when the jawbone forms unnaturally.

Recovery Process

The recovery process after a bone graft aims to ensure the integration of the graft with the jawbone and promote bone formation. This process typically takes several months, and regular check-ups determined by the dentist are essential.

A bone graft is an effective procedure that establishes a successful foundation for dental treatments. However, as each patient’s situation is different, consulting with a dentist is important to determine whether a bone graft is suitable for you.