Why Consider Bone Grafting & What to Expect

Bone Grafting procedures are done to return your bone to the previous form and to maintain bone structure after tooth loss, tooth extraction, gum disease or trauma. This can ensure optimal results in many dental procedures by restoring the bone to its original measurements.

Since the jaw bone supports the skin and muscle structure, its shape is vital for cosmetic appearance. Loss of definition in the jaw bone can cause premature signs of aging. Bone grafting prevents the collapse of tissue and acts as a biological placeholder until the natural bone is replaced. Bone or bone-like materials are added to the jaw and are allowed to fuse with existing bone on the jaw for several months before a dental implant is placed.

The procedure places a structure of material in the area where there is a vacancy of bone to promote the bone to regrow. This is when the rebuilding process begins. In time, your own cells will take the material and turn it into your own functioning bone. After the jaw bone is healed, you will have better support for future dental procedures.

Cost estimates are specific to your situation, please call us for your specific Bone Graft costs.

The Six Steps of Bone Grafting

1. A 3-D image is taken of the patient’s jawbone with a CT scan.

2. Bone is taken from the patient’s chin or from a cadaver in a intravenous sedation.

3. Local anesthesia is used to numb the recipient site, and an incision is cut into the area to determine how much bone is needed.

4. A cut in the gum below the lower front teeth is made if bone is taken from the chin and then filled with bone-graft material. The incision is then closed with stitches.

5. The removed bone is anchored into the jaw with small titanium screws with a mixture of bone marrow and bone-graft material placed around the bone block.

6. Membrane may be then placed over the graft before closing the incision.

Do you Need a Sinus Lift/Graft?

During a Sinus Lift/Graft, bone is added to the upper jaw at the floor of the maxillary sinuses. Maxillary sinuses are those located on either side of the nose. The sinus membrane is raised or ‘lifted’ to make room for the insertion of the bone.

The surgery increases the bone height in the upper jaw, thereby making it possible for dental implants to be used as a course of treatment.

Patients may require the sinus lift/graft procedure for a variety of reasons including: bone loss caused by gum disease, bone loss after cancer treatment, bone loss following the loss of a tooth or even natural jaw structure.

The Process of Performing a Sinus Lift and Graft

Those with insufficient jawbone density may require a procedure known as a sinus lift and graft in order to safely and securely seat dental implants as a remedy for missing teeth. A sinus lift procedure calls for the making of an incision in the gums just near the cheek portion, adjacent to the upper jaw. After this is completed, it is possible to shift tissues aside in order to expose the jawbone underneath.

As this takes place, the sinus membrane is lifted together with the bone, resulting in additional space. This vacant area will then be packed with one of a number of types of grafting material, ultimately resulting in regeneration of the bone. In the end, the patient will have a much sturdier foundation for the placement of dental implants.

While each procedure will be unique and dependent on the patient’s existing bone structure, it is not uncommon for several new millimeters of bone to be added above the existing jaw area. Once the grafting material is packed inside the space resulting from the sinus lift, stitches will be used to close it. Healing may take 4-9 months, at which point dental implants can be placed. However, some patients are able to receive their implants even sooner than that.

Bone Grafting/Sinus Lift – FAQs

Yes, you will experience some level of pain afterwards from the procedure that will last for a day or two afterwards. If you had bone removed from another site in your mouth, it will hurt also. Ice and pain medication will minimize your discomfort, which is comparable to other oral procedures.
As with any surgical procedure, you are at risk for complications. While some bleeding is normal, you may experience excessive blood loss at the site. Other risks include site infection and rejection of the graft material, both of which are serious and require medical attention.
Depending upon your surgeon’s choice, some type of bone material is placed in the area where the bone is weak. This may be your bone or that of a donor. It will fuse to the existing bone and form new cells, eventually filling in the previous area with a solid bone structure. This new bone can support the implant and surrounding soft tissue as though it were natural.
It is possible for bone cement to be used to help secure loose dental implants if the patient is not a good candidate for a bone graft, or cannot afford the procedure. However, the dentist will need to determine if the area will benefit from this alternative, which is more likely to become looser than when a bone graft is used.
The healing time for bone grafts is very variable and depends on the type of injury or bone defect being treated, condition of the bone surrounding the graft, and the size of the bone graft.
Although it generally takes several months for the treated area to become fully integrated, patients can usually resume their normal activities within two to three days following the procedure.

No bed rest is required, but most doctors recommend patients limit their activity in the days immediately after surgery. During this time, patients should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and drinking carbonated beverages for at least three days. Additionally, nose blowing should be absolutely avoided for at least four weeks.

While some discomfort is normal in the first days, most patients’ discomfort is easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
If you have significant bone or tooth loss and want to have a dental implant procedure, a sinus lift/graft may be an option.