Bone Grafting
If a patient has an insufficient amount of bone in order to properly support a dental implant, a bone graft may be needed. A bone graft procedure allows dental implants to be securely placed for a long-lasting fit.
Bone grafts have also been shown to slow down the progression of bone loss through the several types of bone grafts available: alloplast, allograft, xenograft, and autogenous.
? Why do patients need bone grafts?
As briefly mentioned, a bone graft is the solution for patients who need dental implants, but do not have enough bone to support the implant. Bone loss can occur due to developmental problems, periodontal disease, facial trauma, or ill-fitting dentures. Actually, years ago, if patients had insufficient bone, they were not eligible for implants. Today, that’s different.
What to expect after the bone graft procedure
Once the procedure is complete, a brief healing and recovery period is necessary. This typically takes about two weeks or more. Additionally, the bone graft may take up to three months to fully heal.
Your dentist will make sure you understand all postoperative instructions, including restrictions and care for healing and infection prevention.