What is a dental bone graft and when is it necessary?
Written in association with:
Dentist
Published: 15/03/2023
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
What is a dental bone graft? When is a dental bone graft necessary?
A dental bone graft is a technique used to increase the amount and quality of bone in the area where an implant will be placed.
It can improve the circumstances to carry out the implant surgery. It can also be used in order to allow the dentist carry out the surgery, because sometimes performing a bone graft is the only way to place the implant.
How is a dental bone graft performed?
There are up to five different techniques which can be used for a dental bone graft. The choice of each technique depends on the circumstances of each individual patient.
Before deciding on which dental bone graft technique to use, the doctor will need to study how to carry out the bone graft.
How painful is a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft It is more painful than other dental treatments because there is more soft tissue involved in the procedure. However, the patient will receive medication, in order to help them to manage the pain produced as result of the procedure.
What complications can arise from a dental bone graft?
Like with any oral procedure, dental bone graft may result in some complications.
In some cases, a bone graft can fail due to its reabsorption. In other cases, the patient can develop an infection in the area. However, the infection can be treated with antibiotics and the bone graft removal.
The dental bone graft could also end up necrosed. Dentists often use the plasma-rich growth factors (PRGF) technique to accelerate the tissue healing process.
How long does it take for a dental bone graft to heal?
Healing time for a dental bone graft is dependant on the bone used. Healing can take between 4 and 9 months.