What Is Bone Grafting and Why Is It Needed?
Bone grafting is performed to:
- Rebuild bone loss in the jaw, often due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or injury.
- Provide sufficient bone density and volume for the successful placement of dental implants.
- Improve the facial structure affected by bone loss.
What Types of Bone Grafting Procedures Are There?
Common types of bone grafting include:
- Autograft: Bone taken from another part of the patient’s body.
- Allograft: Bone sourced from a human donor.
- Xenograft: Bone grafts from another species, typically bovine.
- Synthetic bone grafts: Biocompatible, synthetic materials.
What Can Patients Expect During and After a Bone Grafting Procedure?
During and after a bone grafting procedure, patients can expect:
- Local anesthesia or sedation for comfort.
- The grafting material being placed in the targeted area.
- A healing period, during which the graft will integrate with the existing bone.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor the success of the graft and plan further treatment, if necessary.
