Is a Bone Graft Necessary for a Dental Implant?
A bone graft may be necessary before dental implant surgery if you don't have enough healthy bone tissue or density in the jaw to support an implant. The graft helps to regenerate and strengthen the jaw area, creating a stable foundation for the implant.
Dental bone graft surgery involves taking bone from another place in the body (autograft) or using a substitute such as donor cadaveric bone (allograft), bovine bone (xenograft), or synthetic bone material (alloplast) to augment the patient’s existing jawbone structure. However, not all dental implant cases require a bone graft. Many patients may have sufficient bone structure to support an implant without additional intervention.
What Is Dental Implant Surgery?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are typically made from titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone. The purpose of the implant is to restore the appearance and functionality of missing teeth by providing a stable base upon which a dental crown, bridge, or denture can be placed.
For dental implant surgery to be successful, dental implant osseointegration must occur. In this process, the implant fuses with the jawbone to provide the necessary strength and stability for it to function long-term as a normal tooth. Before surgery, the patient should have enough healthy jawbone volume and density for successful osseointegration. Bone graft surgery may be considered if the bone surrounding the missing tooth is damaged or weak.
How Do I Know If I Need a Bone Graft?
In one Korean study, bone grafts were performed in 50.3% of the sextants before dental implant surgery (“sextants” refer to the three main sections of the upper and lower jaw). This is because dental implants rely on healthy bone tissue to provide strong support for the replacement tooth roots.
A few factors influence whether or not you will need a bone graft before dental implant surgery. Before deciding, your dentist will assess the condition of your jawbone with a comprehensive oral examination and may take or request X-rays to determine whether a bone graft is needed.
Dental bone grafts are sometimes required in the following circumstances:
Bone loss in the jaw due to missing teeth
Atrophy from an extended use of dentures
Advanced gum disease
A past injury or trauma to the face
Certain developmental defects
What Types of Bone Grafts Are There?
The following types of bone grafts are commonly used to create a strong base for dental implants. In our Bakersfield, CA dental office, we mainly use autograft and allograft techniques.
Autografts. Autografts, also known as autogenous bone grafts, involve the use of healthy bone tissue collected from another site in the body, most commonly from the chin, hip, or tibia. Because it is your own living bone, autografts are the best option among all bone graft materials for better fusion and faster healing.
Allografts. Allografts use bone from a donor, usually sourced from a tissue bank and harvested from a human cadaver. The benefit of allografts is that you do not need additional surgery to harvest bone from your body.
Xenografts. Xenografts involve using bone from another species, often bovine (cow) or porcine (pig). These bones are meticulously cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of bacteria or disease transmission. While xenografts are less common than autografts and allografts in bone grafting procedures, they can be advantageous if donated bone or an autograft cannot be sourced.
Alloplasts. Alloplasts are synthetic materials that can be used in bone grafting. They are commonly made from biocompatible materials like ceramics or polymers and can provide a strong foundation for bone regeneration and later integration with a dental implant. One of the benefits of alloplasts is that theydon't require the second surgical procedure that’s required for autogenous bone grafting, which can be time-consuming. They also sidestep any ethical qualms patients might have about using bone tissue from other people or animals.
Generally, the best bone graft material will be determined by your bone volume, general oral health, and preferences. When choosing between grafting procedures, it's always best to seek advice from an experienced dentist. A reputable dentist can conduct a thorough oral health examination, indicate whether a bone graft is needed, and explain which types of bone grafting are available along with the pros and cons of each.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?
While bone grafts are not required for every patient before dental implant surgery, they can be beneficial in certain circumstances. For instance, in cases where there is inadequate bone volume or density, bone grafting becomes necessary to ensure the long-term stability and durability of the implant.
The following are some of the main benefits of having a bone grafting procedure prior to dental implant surgery:
Better chewing force. Bone grafting can enhance a dental implant's stability, helping to maximize chewing force. This can enable you to eat your favorite foods again comfortably.
Stimulation of bone growth. Bone grafting can accelerate the body's natural process of generating new bone by promoting tissue growth.
Improved longevity. Dental implants supported by a healthy and well-augmented jawbone have a higher chance of long-term success.
Improved facial aesthetics. Bone grafting can help create a more youthful and natural-looking smile by restoring the natural contours of the jaw.
Is a Bone Graft Procedure Right for You?
Dental implants offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth replacement, but a strong foundation is critical for their success. A bone graft may be necessary if you do not have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant.
Bone grafts offer various benefits such as increased stability and preservation of bone structure and can contribute to better jawbone health. If you are considering dental implants, see a dentist who is experienced in the bone grafting process for an evaluation of your oral health and advice based on your specific situation.