If there is insufficient bone tissue of the required quality for the placement of a dental implant, the options for bone grafting come into consideration.
In the case of dental restoration, this is no longer a disqualifying factor, as bone grafting can be used to augment and strengthen the jawbone – whether it is anatomically weak or has been weakened by tooth loss – thereby providing a stable foundation for the implant.
In modern dentistry, a wide variety of bone grafting techniques and materials are now available to patients. Bone grafting materials may be synthetic, of animal origin, or derived from human tissue. In terms of integration, the latter are considered the best choice.
If you are due to have an implant fitted but, according to the tests, your jawbone is too weak for the procedure, our article will tell you about the options for bone grafting.
Why is bone grafting necessary?
The aim of dental bone grafting is to provide sufficient bone to ensure that the implant is securely and permanently anchored.
Bone grafting is usually required for the following reasons:
- Anatomically, the jawbone is too thin, or the bone height in the maxillary sinus may be too low for the implant to be securely fixed in place.
- In the case of long-term tooth loss, the jawbone in the affected area begins to atrophy and thin out due to the lack of load, a condition which can only be remedied by bone grafting.
Raw materials used for bone replacement
Modern dental practices use only bone substitute materials that, without exception, comply with the relevant regulations. The following materials are most commonly used for this purpose:
- The patient’s own human bone material.
- Human bone material derived from another human donor.
- Bone material of animal origin.
- Synthetic bone material.
Experience shows that, of the options listed, bone substitutes of human origin are the best and most widely accepted by patients, and are also the ones most frequently recommended by the medical profession.
What does it mean for a bone graft material to be of human origin?
Human-derived bone graft material, obtained from bone released during hip prosthesis implantation. This material undergoes thorough cleaning, leaving only a calcified matrix.
Its structure is exactly the same as our own. After this, it is converted into a bone graft material, which is used, for example, in orthopaedic treatments, for sinus lifts before dental implant placement, and in any medical field where bone grafting is required. For instance, this procedure has been used in orthopaedics for a very long time.
Why is it better to use human-derived bone graft material during bone grafting?
For humans, the most friendly fabric is one that is close to them, which the body recognises as more „self”, and therefore accepts more amicably than variants originating from animal species or synthetic bone graft materials.
Is there a risk with human-derived bone graft material?
The extracted bone tissue is filtered and sterilised using cutting-edge technology, and implantation is performed with state-of-the-art instruments and medical care. Based on this, the bone substitute is safe and provides a stable foundation for the implant. The regeneration time is shorter, acceptance and integration are better, and the chance of rejection is lower.
Additional medical benefits – laboratory albumin coating
The albumin A vital blood protein and a life-saving medicine for patients who have suffered severe burns. Albumin stimulates the function of bone marrow stem cells and bone-forming cells. It reduces inflammation and the risk of infection, and promotes rapid integration of the implanted bone.
In our laser dentistry clinic, dental implants are placed following careful bone grafting. The dental implant Following this, we carry out three sessions of free laser biostimulation, which promotes rapid integration of the implant and regeneration of the surgical site.
At Naturadent, we are committed to high technology, high professionalism and friendly, fearless communication.
Frequently asked questions
Does every implant require bone grafting?
No, the jawbone only needs to be reinforced if the examinations reveal that it is not strong enough to support the implant.
What causes jawbone loss, which makes bone grafting necessary?
In most cases, it is caused by tooth loss or the resulting long-term absence of teeth, but it can also be triggered by severe inflammation and periodontal disease.
Is bone grafting painful?
As with implantation, the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia, so ideally the patient will feel no pain. However, mild pain may occur in the days following the procedure, but this can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.
How long does bone grafting take?
It varies, as it depends in each case on the type of procedure, the position of the tooth and the amount of bone graft material used. It can usually be completed in 60–90 minutes.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
The healing time depends on how quickly the bone material can integrate into the body. For some people, three months is enough for the implant to be fitted, whilst others have to wait longer.
Can an implant be inserted straight after bone grafting?
If we want a lasting result, then under no circumstances. The two must be treated separately, both in terms of the procedure and the healing time; therefore, the implant can only be placed once osseointegration has taken place.
Can a bone graft be rejected?
It is very rare, but it can occur, for example, in the event of an infection. To avoid this, it is advisable to use bone graft material of human origin, as the risk of rejection is much lower with these.
Are antibiotics necessary following bone grafting?
This is always decided by the attending doctor. In many cases, antibiotics are not necessary, but there are some patients – such as those suffering from certain chronic conditions – who are prescribed antibiotics as a precaution.
When can I get back to my normal routine after a bone graft?
It depends on the patient, but many are able to return to work the very next day. However, physical activity is not recommended for 4–5 days, so anyone doing physical work will need to wait a little while; the same applies to exercise and other activities.
Can bone grafting be carried out under general anaesthetic?
Provided that this is the patient’s request and there are no contraindications, the bone graft can also be performed under general anaesthesia.
Does age affect bone regeneration?
It is not, in itself, a disqualifying factor. The patient’s state of health and any chronic conditions they may have are far more important. If someone over the age of 60 needs it and their state of health allows it, there is no obstacle.
Can a bone graft fail?
With careful planning and the use of human-derived bone material, the likelihood of this is very low.
What are the symptoms if bone grafting is unsuccessful?
The patient usually experiences severe pain, a fever and significant swelling; in more serious cases, purulent discharge may be observed at the site of the procedure.
Can bone grafting be carried out during pregnancy?
It is not recommended; it is better to postpone it until after the birth.
