The introduction of dental implants has revolutionised the way dentists replace missing teeth. You might have probably heard a lot about dental implants. Even if you don’t know much about it, I am pretty sure you may have come across this terminology over the internet. However, bone grafting and sinus lift are not often talked about.
Since dental implants and bone grafting procedures go hand in hand, I feel it is vital that you, as my valued patients, know what these procedures are before opting for dental implants. If you would like to know specifically more about dental implants, I have various other articles on my website dedicated to them. For this article, I will focus entirely on bone grafts and different bone graft surgeries that are used explicitly in dental implantology.
What are Bone Grafts?
As we know, dental implants are used for replacing missing teeth. A dental graft is a material that adds volume and bulk to your jawbone. These are specifically used in areas where there has been bone loss.
When you lose a tooth or several teeth, the bone in the area of missing teeth undergoes the process of bone resorption. Bone resorption leads to the wearing away and thinning of the bone. The jawbone loses its height and width.
The roots of our teeth stimulate the jawbone and keep it at a specific height. However, once the teeth are lost, the jawbone has no purpose left, due to which it undergoes resorption and slowly wears off. Dental implants stop the process of bone loss and help maintain facial proportions.
However, sometimes, a patient may come much later after losing teeth, and until then, a significant amount of bone may have already occurred.
Now you must be thinking about how this is related to dental implants and what the purpose of bone grafting is. Well, keep reading ahead as I shed light on this in the next section.
Is Bone Grafting Normal?
If you report to the dental clinic after a certain time and a significant amount of bone loss has already occurred, I may suggest you undergo a bone grafting procedure. The reason behind this is quite straightforward — dental implants need a minimum amount of bone height and width for stability and integrity.
In case of excessive bone loss, you may not have enough bone for implant placement. In such cases, bone grafting becomes necessary. It is a common and routine procedure in dental implantology, so there is no need to worry.
Am I a Candidate for Bone Grafting?
The best way to get an answer to this question is to consult a dentist. You can schedule an appointment with me today if you wish to opt for dental implants and want to know whether you may need bone grafting.
If you have any jawbone defects, have suffered from trauma leading to bone loss, or have been missing teeth for a long time, you may be a candidate for bone grafting.
Bone grafting adds volume, rebuilds the height and width of the jawbone, helps stabilise facial proportions, and creates a strong foundation for dental implant placement.
Types of Bone Graft
Before we move on to the procedures, let’s briefly discuss the different types of bone grafts in dentistry.
1. Autograft
Autografts are derived from the patient themselves. A small piece of bone is taken from another area of your mouth, such as the back of the upper or lower jaw, and placed in the defect area.
They are osteoconductive and osteoinductive, meaning they generate new bone-forming cells. However, the supply is limited, so autografts cannot always be used for large defects.
2. Allograft
Allografts are taken from another human donor. The bone undergoes extensive biological processing and sterilisation.
They show excellent bone-forming properties but may cause hesitation for some patients.
3. Xenograft
Xenografts are derived from other species (typically bovine). They are highly biocompatible and help accelerate bone formation.
4. Alloplastic Bone Graft
Alloplastics are synthetic bone graft materials, such as hydroxyapatite or bioglass, that stimulate bone formation effectively.
Different Types of Bone Grafting Procedures in Dental Implantology
Now that you are aware of the types of bone grafts, let’s discuss the various bone grafting procedures used in dental implantology.
Socket Preservation
Also known as ridge preservation, this procedure is performed immediately after tooth extraction — especially in cases of gum disease-related bone destruction.
A bone graft is placed in the socket to prevent collapse. In some cases, the socket shield technique is used, where part of the tooth root is retained, and an implant is placed immediately.
Ridge Augmentation
If your teeth have been missing for some time, your jawbone may have thinned out.
In ridge augmentation, bone grafts are used to increase bone volume — restoring both height and width.
An incision is made, the graft is placed, and the area is sutured to allow healing. This ensures a strong base for dental implants and is common for patients missing multiple teeth.
Sinus Lift Surgery
Sinus lift surgery is a common procedure in dental implantology, especially for the upper jaw. Above the upper jaw lies the maxillary sinus, a hollow cavity important for respiration.
When bone loss occurs in this region, the thin bone separating the jaw from the sinus is insufficient for implants. In such cases, sinus lift surgery is performed.
The procedure:
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A local anaesthetic is administered.
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An incision is made in the upper gum to expose the bone.
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A window is created, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted.
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Bone graft material is placed, and the area is sutured for healing.
The procedure is outpatient, and recovery typically takes 1–2 months before implant placement.
Final Thoughts
Now that we have discussed bone grafts and various bone grafting procedures, it’s important to remember that not all dental implant cases require grafting.
The only way to determine your needs is to schedule an appointment with a dental implant specialist in Luxembourg.
I hope this article was useful for you. If you have any more questions or would like to schedule a dental implant appointment, please reach out.
I, Dr. Viorel Talpa, and my team of dedicated dental professionals are here to help you achieve a healthy and lasting smile.
