Bone Grafting
Preventive Dentistry Tulsa, OK
 In many instances, oral implantology stands as the most effective approach for restoring missing teeth. Nevertheless, when dealing with maxillary atrophy resulting from the permanent loss of teeth, the challenges associated with implant placement and subsequent prosthodontic restoration become significantly more complex. As a result, advanced surgical methods are essential to circumvent potential complications involving the lower dental nerve and the maxillary sinus. These specialized procedures, which enable us at Smiles of Tulsa, to enhance and rebuild the alveolar ridge, involve the use of bone grafts or bone substitutes. These interventions are aimed at assisting you in the recovery of your smile.
Why Are Bone Grafts Needed?
The gradual degeneration of the maxilla is linked to various factors such as systemic, mechanical, metabolic, or inflammatory issues. Tooth loss resulting from trauma or extractions initiates a process of alveolar remodeling, which becomes more pronounced when removable prostheses are used. Additionally, the presence of air spaces within the bones, a phenomenon called pneumatization, significantly diminishes the available bone volume. When combined with suboptimal bone quality, it presents challenges for the successful insertion of dental implants. Hence, it becomes imperative to enhance the atrophic areas in the jaw to attain the ideal bone volume and promote bone regeneration. This step is crucial to ensure that implant placement yields favorable outcomes, both functionally and aesthetically.
Over time, various surgical methods have been devised to reestablish the necessary bone volume. Among these approaches are techniques aimed at three-dimensionally reconstructing the alveolar ridge using grafts securely attached to the maxillary bone, such as onlay and inlay grafts. In the posterior segments, where aesthetic concerns are less critical, it is possible to implant thick and elongated implants. These implants enhance the contact area between the bone and implant surface, providing robust support for the forces involved in chewing.
Types Of Dental Bone Grafts
There are a number of different types of grafting materials we can use. One is known as an autologous graft, or "autografts," which are removed from your own body. They allow live-cell transplants and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Furthermore, there is no immunological rejection, since the grafted material comes from your own body.
Secondly, there are homologous grafts or allografts. We get those from another person, and they are withdrawn from donors in tissue banks. Bone banks allow you to have an unlimited amount of bone without the morbidity of its extraction. There is a very nominal risk of disease transmission for the recipients of the allografts.
Lastly, heterologous grafts (or xenografts) are the third option. These are grafts between individuals of different species. Their materials may come from algae, animals, and coral. They are risk-free and easy to obtain.
When Is A Dental Bone Graft Performed?
Typically, bone grafting is employed when a fixed dental implant restoration is required. This dental bone graft serves the crucial purpose of ensuring proper bone support for the implants and their successful integration into your oral structure. Bone grafting becomes essential to either establish or preserve bone height and bone growth following tooth extraction, facilitating the placement of implants. It is also utilized to rehabilitate bone defects, whether in terms of height or width, and in procedures like maxillary sinus lifts, which are performed to enable implant placement in posterior regions, such as molars.
How long does a bone graft procedure take?
The duration of a bone graft procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the graft, the site of the graft, and the patient's individual circumstances. On average, a bone graft procedure typically takes about one to two hours. However, it's important to note that this is a general estimate, and the actual time may be shorter or longer depending on the individual.
Factors that can influence the duration of a bone graft procedure can include:
| • |
Size and Location: The size and location of the area where the bone graft is needed play a significant role. A small graft in a single tooth socket may take less time than a larger graft to reconstruct a portion of the jawbone.
|
| • |
Type of Graft: The type of graft used can impact the procedure's complexity and duration.
|
| • |
Surgical Technique: The surgical technique employed by the dentist can also affect the duration of the procedure.
|
| • |
Patient's Health: The patient's overall health and medical history can influence the procedure's duration. Patients with certain medical conditions may require additional precautions or have longer surgical times.
|
| • |
Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used can impact how long the procedure takes. Local anesthesia is often used, but in some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be required, which can extend the time spent in the operating room. |
Recovery After a Bone Graft Procedure
Recovery after a bone graft procedure can vary depending on the type of graft, the location of the graft, and individual patient factors. However, here is a general overview of what you can expect during your recovery.
In the hours immediately following the bone graft surgery, you may still be under the effects of anesthesia or sedation. You will need someone to drive you home. It's common to experience some initial discomfort, swelling, and possibly bleeding at the graft site. We will provide specific post-operative instructions.
Swelling and bruising around the surgical area are common side effects of a bone graft. This can peak within the first 48 hours after the procedure and gradually subside over the next few days to a week. Applying ice packs to the outside of your face for short periods during the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.
You may need to modify your diet for a period after the procedure. Soft and cold foods are often recommended during the initial recovery phase. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that may irritate the graft site.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during the recovery period. You may be instructed to avoid brushing or flossing directly over the surgical site for a specified time. Instead, you might use a prescribed mouth rinse or saltwater rinse to keep the area clean.
Rest and limited physical activity are usually advised during the initial days of recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting to prevent any complications.
We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. We will check the graft site, remove any sutures if necessary, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
The complete healing process can take several months, during which the grafted bone integrates with your existing bone.
While complications are relatively rare, it's essential to be aware of signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or graft failure. If you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, or any unusual symptoms, contact us immediately.
Bone Grafting at Smiles of Tulsa
Patients with bone loss initially present a complex circumstance, but as specialists in dental implants,Smiles of Tulsacan help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your smile. To learn more, or to set up an appointment with us, please call us at (918) 891-3059 today.
|
Waze