Why would a dentist need to do a bone graft?

Bone grafts are essential for replacing missing or damaged bone in your jaw. Whether a cavity has reduced your tooth to an empty, gummy space after an extraction, or gum disease has caused loose teeth, a bone graft can repair and rebuild the damaged bone needed to support a dental implant.

Why does my dentist want to do a bone graft?

A dental bone graft is necessary when bone loss has occurred in the jaw. This procedure is commonly performed prior to dental implant placement or when bone loss is negatively affecting neighboring teeth.

Is it necessary to get bone graft after tooth extraction?

A bone graft is usually necessary after a tooth extraction since the bone can start to melt away. This can cause your facial features to sag, so a bone graft can help provide needed structure and support.

How can the dentist tell if you need a bone graft?

To determine if a bone graft is necessary, dentists conduct an oral examination and order dental X-rays, which provide a clear idea of the density of the jawbone and reveal if there has been any loss of bone inside of the jaw.

When would a bone graft be indicated?

A bone graft may be used in the case of multiple or complex fractures or those that don't heal well after initial treatment. Fusion helps two bones heal together across a diseased joint. Fusion is most often done on the spine. Regeneration is used for bone lost to disease, infection, or injury.

Do I need Bone Grafting for my Dental Implant?

How serious is a bone graft?

Bone grafting is generally safe, but it does have some rare risks. There is also a risk that your bone might not heal well even with your bone graft. Many of your specific risks will vary according to the exact reason for your bone graft.

Who is a candidate for dental bone graft?

Those whose appearance has been damaged by bone loss may potentially benefit from dental bone grafts. Loss of bone mass in the jaw can make the face appear shorter than it was. When the lower jawbone loses bone mass, it may thrust forward.

How painful is bone grafting for teeth?

Because bone grafting is performed while the patient is under anesthesia, there is virtually no pain during the procedure. After completion, there may be swelling, bruising, bleeding, and mild discomfort once the anesthesia wears off.

Are you put to sleep for a dental bone graft?

FAQ About Dental Bone Graft

This is a minor surgical procedure where you will be under either general or local anesthesia.

Is bone grafting covered by insurance?

Insurance Coverage: Though dental implants are rarely covered by dental insurance, a portion of the cost of a bone grafting procedure may be covered if deemed medically necessary. Patients should review their dental insurance policy to determine whether bone grafting is covered under their plan.

Is dental bone graft major surgery?

A dental bone graft that doesn't involve harvesting bone material from a patient's own body is a relatively minor procedure. You'll be sedated during the procedure, so you won't feel any pain until after the anesthesia wears off.

How long does it take to recover from a dental bone graft?

The Recovery Time after the Procedure

Your recovery may require two weeks to 3 months but the bone graft itself will require three months to heal. However, you will be advised not to indulge in extensive exercises for at least six months and to keep the area of the bone graft clean and dry.

What happens if I get a bone graft but no implant?

Answer: Bone Grafting Timing

If you do not place a implant in the 6-12 month time frame, your body will dissolve the graft. The implant is important in maintaining bone because it loads the bone or put's pressure on the bone so the body will prevent resorption.

Is a bone graft worth it?

Is a bone graft worth it? A bone graft is certainly worth it for patients wanting to replace teeth lost to trauma, gum disease or extraction. Bone grafts will be essential in restoring the damaged bone in the jaw and building up to be strong enough to replace the missing tooth or teeth.

How long does it take to walk after a bone graft?

Recovery time depends on the injury or defect being treated and the size of the bone graft. Your recovery may take 2 weeks to 3 months. The bone graft itself will take up to 3 months or longer to heal.

How long does your mouth hurt after bone graft?

Pain and swelling are normal and expected following surgery and may last 7-14 days. Do not be alarmed if the third day following surgery is the worst. Take Ibuprofen 600mg and Tylenol 500mg every 6 hours OR Ibuprofen 800mg and Tylenol 500mg every 8 hours. No more than 4,000mg of Tylenol should be taken per day.

Can you drive home after a dental bone graft?

Home Care After Bone Grafting Surgery

Call your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms. Please remember that you are under the influence of medication post surgery; therefore, do not drive, drink alcoholic beverages, sign legal documents, or make any major decisions during the next 24 hours.

How do you sleep after a dental bone graft?

Sleeping and Activity Restrictions for Bone Graft Patients

Bone graft patients are typically advised to sleep on their backs, propped up with pillows, to prevent blood from pooling at the surgery site. Elevating the head keeps inflammation to a minimum, which expedites the recovery period.

What is the success rate of dental bone grafts?

Composite bone grafts have 99.6% survival rate and 66.06% success rate.

What are the side effects of bone grafting?

When is it too late for gum grafting?

In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.

What percentage of dental implants require bone grafts?

In this study, 50.3 % of the patients required bone graft during implant surgery.

Does a bone graft change your face?

Additionally, it can cause your face to change shape, typically giving patients a more sunken-in and aged appearance.

Do you always need a bone graft for dental implants?

Bone grafting is not always required for dental implant placement, but in cases in which this procedure is indicated, it can help to significantly improve the patient's chances of good treatment outcomes. Only your surgeon can determine the need for a bone graft, often with the use of special imaging technology.