Bone grafting in dentistry is a standard surgical procedure that restores the jaw bone. But do you need a bone graft after tooth extraction? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question and how the procedure works.
Do You Need a Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction?
Not every patient needs a bone graft after tooth extraction. Whether your dentist will recommend a bone graft depends on the location of the extracted tooth, the condition of the jaw bone, general health, and plans for future dental work.
If there is a high risk of bone resorption due to tooth extraction and you are planning to replace the tooth with a dental implant, a graft might be recommended. Bone resorption is a process that happens when the roots of the extracted tooth no longer stimulate the jaw bone. As a result, the body stops sending nutrients to this part of the bone, and the bone “shrinks” and loses its density. Loss of bone density can become an issue when a dental implant is placed, as there will not be enough bone tissue to support it.
Even if you do not plan to get dental implants, bone resorption can lead to such negative consequences as changes in facial structure and the sunken appearance of the face. Also, a jaw bone that has lost its density might not be able to support such dental restorations as dentures.
Additionally, bone grafting after a tooth extraction might be recommended to patients with gum disease that affects the jaw bone or if the tooth had to be extracted due to oral trauma that affected the bone, too.
The jaw bone can lose up to 25 percent of its density in the first year after tooth extraction. Therefore, your dentist might recommend getting a graft right away after the extraction to prevent bone resorption.
How Does a Dental Bone Graft Work
A bone graft can be made of several different types of materials:
- A bone sample that is taken from the patient’s own body (Autograft)
- Bone material sourced from a human donor, typically a cadaver (Allograft)
- Bone material sourced from a non-human species (Xenograft)
- Manufactured synthetic materials, such as polymers
- Some other materials, such as hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, etc.
A bone graft is surgically placed in the areas of the jaw bone that require regeneration. Over time, the graft prompts the bone tissue to grow around it, thus regaining its density and volume.
The healing process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on the size of the graft and the initial condition of your jawbone and general health, age, etc. Once the healing is complete, you can get dental implants or other types of dental restoration.
What Happens During the Procedure of Bone Grafting?
Prior to the procedure, your doctor will conduct necessary examinations, such as x-rays, scans, and physical exams. You may also need to consult your GP to determine if the state of your general health allows you to proceed with the surgery.
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the surgery site using a local anesthetic. Modern anesthetics are effective at blocking any potential pain during the procedure, providing maximum comfort to the patient. Alternative methods of sedation (IV sedation, oral sedation, or nitrous oxide) can also be used if necessary.
When the anesthetic takes effect, your dentist will make an incision in the gums to gain access to the jaw bone. Then, the gum tissue is gently folded away from the bone, and the graft material is placed in the areas where regeneration is required. The bone graft is typically covered with a membrane to keep it in place and protect it.
Once the graft is placed, your dentist will arrange the gum tissue back in its original place and stitch the incision. Some of the membranes that cover the graft will dissolve on their own and be absorbed by the body in the process of healing. In other instances, your doctor might need to remove the membrane once the graft is fused with the bone.
Make an Appointment at My Dentist Anaheim
If you require tooth extraction, need bone grafting, or want to receive a professional consultation, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at My Dentist Anaheim today. We will carefully examine your case and offer a reliable and effective course of treatment. We look forward to your visit.