To perform a jaw bone graft procedure means to replace the reduced bones in the jaw so that it will be able to support the teeth. This dental surgery is recommended to people who are suffering from bone loss. These dentists in Hornsby advise that a bone graft might be required before any dental implant surgery. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and restore the natural aesthetics of the overall dental composition.
Importance of Bone Grafting
The jaw bone graft treatment plays a vital role in the world of dentistry. To make this more understandable, let us discuss what happens to our jaw once it starts to lose some bones. Our teeth are directly attached to a bone in the jaw known as the alveolar ridge. This bone covers the roots of the tooth to secure the correct position of the teeth and let them do their regular functions. In the absence of this bone in the jaw, the teeth will start to fall apart since there is no support that will keep it secured to its place. Even dental implants will gradually go downhill due to bone loss. This is where bone grafting is recommended, this procedure will initially ensure the growth of the bone to reshape the jawline.
Causes of Jaw Bone Loss
There are several reasons why bone loss transpires. Below are the common causes why it happens and why you’d probably need a jaw bone grafting treatment:
- Tooth extraction. After a tooth extraction surgery, the jaw bone will start to break down as it no longer serves a purpose in the body. The bone and the teeth work together to execute oral activities like biting and chewing. If the extracted tooth is not replaced, the jaw bone loses the encouragement it needs and will eventually start to be demolished.
- Periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases occur when the gum starts to get infected by bacteria due to plaque build-up. This infection, if left untreated will slowly knock down the support of the teeth, hence, resulting in bone loss.
- Prolonged dentures and bridgework. Dentures are not directly attached to the gums, making the jawbones totally unutilized. Over time, the jaw bones will start to deteriorate as it no longer serves its purpose. Because of the bone loss, the dentures will start to fall off and even dental glues can longer hold them still.
- Trauma. When a tooth gets broken to the point that its biting function is no longer possible, bone loss may occur. Dental traumas can be caused by accidents and fractures.
- Incorrect tooth alignment. This situation can cause an event where the tooth loses its opposing tooth structure. When this happens, the tooth will erupt damaging the bone underneath resulting in bone breakage.
- Deformities. In rare cases, birth defects greatly affect the growth of the jaw bone. Abnormalities on the facial bone, jawline, and skull can cause bone loss, or worse, prevent its development.
When Do You Need A Jaw Bone Graft Treatment
While there are many reasons why dental problems occur, you might want to know the things that accurately conclude to bone loss. You will know that you need bone grafting if you start to feel changes in your facial features. You will observe that your mouth is starting to fall through your face and wrinkles around the mouth will be visible. Below are the signs and symptoms of jaw bone deterioration:
- infected gums, swelling, gum pain
- gums are not healing after an implant surgery or any dental treatments
- unsecured teeth
- feeling numb in the jaw area
- bone starting to be noticeable in the mouth
- headaches
- trouble in speaking or eating
- malnutrition
- sinus problems
If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of bone loss, it’s recommended to consult your dentist right away.
Different Kinds of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure performed to repair or restore the broken jawbones by means of grafting bone tissues to the affected area. By doing this, the jaw bone will gradually be restored to support the teeth and dental implants. Oftentimes, bone grafting is executed prior to scheduled implant surgery. This will help in making the dental implants more secured and firmly attached to the gums.
Below are the different types of jaw bone graft procedures:
Sinus Lift Bone Graft
The objective of a sinus lift bone graft is to increase the amount of bone typically on the upper jaw. Bone tissues will be surgically implanted into the graft to help in its development and prepare it for implant surgery.
Socket Graft
The main purpose of a socket graft is to prevent the deterioration of the bones before it even begins. This helps in maintaining the correct order of the bones and their alignment. After a socket graft, the patient needs to wait for at least half for their dental implant surgery. This procedure will also lessen the pain during the surgery.
Allograft Bone Blocks
Prior to setting up the dental implants, a lateral ridge preservation graft will take place to extend the range of the jawbone. This is often performed on individuals with a small jawbone that will not be able to support an implant.
Block Bone Grafts
When the bone is showing signs of defect, the dentist will remove a small part of a particularly large jawbone, often found at the back of the jaw. This fragment will be used to fix the faulty bone before placing the dental implants.
Bone Grafting Procedure
Just like any other dental surgery, you will have to go through different stages before the execution of bone grafting. This is to ensure that your gums and jaw are fit to undergo the said surgery. Before agreeing to any surgical treatments, it is important to understand the essence, objective, and risks of the surgery, you may ask your dentist regarding this matter.
Bone grafting procedure includes the following steps:
- You will undergo examination, x-rays, and checkups. This is to determine if you are qualified for bone graft surgery.
- Once you’re deemed fit for the treatment, you will be scheduled for the actual surgery. Do not forget to bring a trusted companion as you will be under anesthesia for quite some time.
- On the day of the surgery, you will receive anesthetics to decrease the pain during the surgery and aid you from any discomfort caused by it.
- Your heart rate, vitals, and blood presses will be strictly monitored.
- The infected area will be thoroughly cleaned by the dentist. He will then proceed to lacerate the skin and muscle to make way for the bone graft.
- Depending on the situation, the dentist might collect a small fragment of bone from ribs or leg bone. This will be used as the bone graft.
- The bone graft will be placed into the lacerated area, sometimes, dental screws are used to secure the graft in its place.
- If needed, the dentists will perform dental adjustments as well.
- The treatment area will be closed as well as the area where the bone graft was collected.
After this, your dentist will give you multiple instructions to follow to guarantee fast healing and prevent damages to the treated area.
Risk Factors of Jaw Bone Graft
Your age, lifestyle, general health, and medical conditions can also affect the success of the procedure. Here are the risk factors associated with bone grafting:
- The treatment area is not healing.
- Gum infection.
- Non-stop bleeding.
- A blood clot within the treated area.
- Side effects of the anesthesia.
- Injured nerves
- Complications caused by the donated bone.
