Types Of Bone Grafting
Treatment Planning
Dental roots are necessary to maintain a dense, healthy jaw. Once a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone will naturally begin to deteriorate. Grafting can be performed immediately, known as socket preservation. The procedure can also be done after months or even years have passed. This is most often referred to as ridge augmentation. A sinus lift is a special type of graft in which the sinus floor is raised and the material is packed into the space below. Grafting techniques can also be combined to achieve the best outcome.
The dentist will typically base their recommendation on several factors, such as the location of the surgical site, the patient’s health and treatment goals, and the properties of the graft material. Ideal bone grafting material should integrate well with the patient’s natural bone, promote the growth of new tissue, and have a low likelihood of rejection at the surgical site.
An autograft, also referred to as an autologous or autogenous bone graft, is bone taken from the patient’s own body. Autografts for dental procedures are typically harvested from the jaw, hard palate, or the chin. If there is not enough bone available in these areas, the tissue graft may be taken from the hip or shinbone. The main benefit of an autograft is that there is a low risk of graft rejection since the bone is native to the patient’s body. A drawback, however, is that an additional surgical site is required.
Although grafting can be performed to correct the effects of injuries or congenital defects, the procedure is most often recommended for dental implant patients. The prerequisite procedure can increase the chances of an implant successfully fusing with the jaw, and also help patients who would otherwise not be considered good candidates.
In order to perform an autograft, a sample of healthy bone tissue can be taken from the chin.An alloplastic graft is composed of material that is not taken from an animal or human source. Alloplastic grafts can be derived from natural sources (such as an elements or minerals), synthetic (man-made) substances, or a combination of the two. One reason many dentists prefer alloplastic grafts is that they do not require tissue to be harvested from another source.
Bone grafting can increase the chances of an implant successfully fusing with the jaw, and also help patients who would otherwise not be considered good candidates.
Alloplastic grafts can be made of hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium carbonate, and tricalcium phosphate. Hydroxyapatite is the most frequently used due to its strength, durability, and ability to integrate well with bone. In fact, a large percentage of human bone is composed of a form of hydroxyapatite. Calcium carbonate is becoming less popular because it tends to resorb more quickly and make the bone susceptible to breakage.
Bioglass, or bioactive glass, is similar to ceramic and is another potential source for dental bone grafts. Bioglasses can bond completely and seamlessly to bone. Unlike some other types of bone grafts, bioglass is available in many malleable forms, such as pastes and putties, making it ideal for shaping into a jawbone socket.
Protect Your Oral Health
For the right patients, a bone graft can provide the strong foundation needed to ensure their oral health. Consulting with your dentist is necessary in order to learn more about your candidacy for these types of procedures.
