Dental implants are the most widely accepted dental treatment for replacing missing teeth. Dentists and patients both prefer dental implants as an alternative to dentures and dental bridges. A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jaw bone to add strength and durability to the implant.
It is imperative to ensure that there is sufficient volume of bone in the jaw to support and stabilize the dental implant inside the jaw bone to make it look and feel like a natural tooth. But, what if there isn’t enough bone volume to support the dental implant ? The solution is bone grafting. In this article, we will talk about the basics of bone grafting for dental implants.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is the addition of bone or bone-like material to increase the volume of the jaw bone. This procedure is carried out to support the dental implants and is done at the same time as the dental implant procedure or before placing the implant. However, it is very important to adhere to the timelines.
What are the types of bone grafting?
Bone grafting is of many types, and the suitable bone grafting type is chosen by the situation and amount of bone required. The types of bone grafting are as mentioned below:
Autograft – An autograft, also called an autogenous bone graft, is the bone taken from the patient’s own body. These are typically taken from the jaw, hard palate or the chin for dental implants. If enough bone is not available in these areas, it is harvested from the hip or shin bone. The most significant advantage of an autograft is that there are minimal chances of bone rejection as the bone is native to the patient’s body. However, an additional surgical procedure is the only drawback.
Allograft – In case of an allograft, the bone is harvested from the body of a deceased donor. The donor is thoroughly screened before harvesting the bone to ensure there is no infection in the bone or the tissues. After the screening, the bone is thoroughly tested to check the compatibility of the donor with the recipient to minimize potential reaction.
Xenograft – It is taken from an animal, typically a cow or a pig. The advantage of this type is the ease of harvesting large samples of bone with the desired microstructure. This method helps in improving the compatibility at the intended site of surgery. Xenograft helps in rebuilding as they act as both a mechanical and biological placeholder in the jaw.
The grafting procedure provides a strong foundation for dental implants for candidates who are fit for dental implants and also for many of those who aren’t. Get in touch with us at Signature Smilez to learn more about bone grafting for dental implants and check your candidacy for the same.