Bone grafting can help patients who might not otherwise be suitable for dental implant placement access this valuable treatment. Read on to learn more about how bone grafting can assist these patients, as well as safety considerations associated with the procedure.
Why Bone Grafting May be Needed Prior to Dental Implant Placement
The long-term success of dental implants is dependent on the presence of sufficient bone tissue at the implant site to support osseointegration, the process by which the bone tissue fuses with the titanium dental implants. If a significant amount of that bone tissue has eroded after tooth loss or if a congenital defect has resulted in minimal bone at the site, bone grafting can help dental implant patients get better treatment outcomes and reduce their risk of premature dental implant failure. Your oral surgeon will assess the quality of the bone tissue with imaging to determine whether bone grafting is indicated in your case.
The long-term success of dental implants is dependent on the presence of sufficient bone tissue…
Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone grafting involves taking tissue from a donor source and inserting it in the implant site. The existing bone then incorporates the donor tissue into the jaw’s structure. After the donor tissue has been thoroughly integrated, the patient can move forward with dental implant placement. The donor tissue can be obtained from a number of sources, including elsewhere in the patient’s body, cadavers, animals or synthetic materials.
Is bone grafting safe?
Bone grafting is generally a safe procedure, although it does come with the risks associated with any surgical procedure, such as infection or anesthesia complications. Fortunately, patients can take steps to reduce these risks. Prior to the procedure, your oral surgeon will thoroughly educate you on the possible risks as well as post-operative measures to prevent complications.
If you have safety concerns about bone grafting, please speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members. We want to make sure that you have all of the information you need to make the treatment decision that is right for you.