Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Ann Arbor, MI
A bone graft procedure involves applying a small amount of bone material to the injury site to facilitate wound healing. We perform bone grafting procedures to secure dental implants, especially in cases where the jaw’s bone is not substantial enough to integrate the implant successfully.
Bone grafting for dental implants is available at Great Lakes Oral Surgery in Ann Arbor. If an individual is receiving dental implants and needs bone grafting, we can help. Our oral surgeon and team offer a range of treatments to restore oral health. Call us at (734) 961-4864 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Understanding Bone Grafts
Bone grafting is a procedure that uses bone material for scaffolding or filler for new bone formation. Bone grafting promotes wound healing using material from the patient’s body or an artificial substitute. As new bone grows around the graft, it replaces or integrates with the surrounding tissue.
Bone grafting began as a way to heal wounded soldiers. The first bone graft was performed in 1668 when a Dutch doctor used a piece of a dog bone to repair a soldier’s skull fracture. The procedure was so successful that the canine bone graft was impossible to remove after the bone healed.
“Bone grafting is a procedure that uses bone material for scaffolding or filler for new bone formation.”
Bone Grafts in Dentistry
Bone grafting in dentistry allows for the regeneration of the bony ridge of the jaw that contains tooth sockets, called the alveolar bone. Following tooth loss, the goal of an alveolar bone graft is to maintain the jaw’s natural contour, fill in dead space, and reduce the risk of infection.
A bone graft is especially useful in helping patients receive dental implants. Our oral surgeon can use this procedure to secure the implant and restore blood supply to surrounding tissue. A bone graft may be necessary for patients who have put off getting dental implants to make up for the significant bone loss. Bone grafting can also help with facial reconstructions or regenerate alveolar bone lost to gum disease or a traumatic jaw injury.
“Bone grafting in dentistry allows for the regeneration of the bony ridge of the jaw that contains tooth sockets, called the alveolar bone.”
Bone Graft Benefits
The benefit of bone grafting is that it harnesses the body’s natural healing processes. The graft acts as a mineral reservoir, stimulating the production of growth factors and proteins to regenerate the natural bone matrix. In dentistry, bone grafts help stabilize the jawbone and prevent further bone loss.
Bone grafting is especially beneficial for dental implants as the bone graft forms a strong foundation to secure the implant. In addition, because the implant is an artificial tooth root topped with a crown, a bone graft can help integrate the implant into the surrounding alveolar bone for improved outcomes. Studies indicate that the quality of bone and the ability to integrate are measures of implant success. Our oral surgeon can determine if the patient is a candidate for a bone graft during a consultation appointment.
“In dentistry, bone grafts help stabilize the jawbone and prevent further bone loss.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in Ann Arbor, MI
Bone Grafting Procedure
In a bone graft procedure, we harvest a small amount of bone, either from the hip, tibia, or the back of the jawbone. Alternatively, a graft from another person, animal, or artificial bone may be used.
Once our oral surgeon prepares the graft, they will ensure there is enough room in the gums at the site where the tooth is missing, or bone loss occurs. Next, the oral surgeon places the graft material between the sections of bone that need to grow together and temporarily secure special screws or dissolvable adhesive. They will then close the gum incision with stitches. New bone growth fuses with the graft until fully integrated.
“Once the oral surgeon prepares the graft, they will ensure there is enough room in the gums at the site where the tooth is missing, or bone loss occurs.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How are bone grafts used in dentistry?
Q. What are the benefits of bone grafts?
Q. What happens during a bone graft procedure?
Q. How do I care for a dental bone graft?
People Also Ask
Q. When is bone grafting necessary?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. Why would a dentist refer a patient to a specialist for dental implant surgery?
Q. How should I prepare for sedation dentistry?
Q. What dietary changes will be necessary after getting dental implants?
Bone Graft Aftercare
After a dental bone graft, the incision site is packed with gauze, which needs to be changed frequently during the first 24 hours. Our oral surgeon will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent possible infection, along with pain relievers. Further instructions for recovery include:
- Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling
- Eat soft, bland foods for the first few days
- Sleep with the head slightly elevated for the first couple of nights
- Avoid hot foods or liquids, like coffee or soup
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods, like nuts
- Refrain from participating in physical activity, especially contact sports
Patients may experience dull pain for a while but usually begin to feel normal after a couple of weeks. It may take a few months before the new bone is strong enough to receive a dental implant.
“Sleep with the head slightly elevated for the first couple nights.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the types of bone grafts?
A. Bone grafts are described by the source of the graft material. Allografts involve using bone from another person, whereas alloplasts use a synthetic grafting material that mimics natural bone. An autograft involves using bone from the patient’s own body whereas a xenograft uses bone tissue from another species of living organism such as animals or coral.
Q. What is the general approach for dental bone grafting?
A. Autografts are the gold standard for dental grafts in which bone is usually taken from the hip, tibia, or back of the jaw. Autografts are preferred as they promote faster healing and new bone formation. Our oral surgeon will help determine which option best meets the patient’s needs.
Q. What dental conditions require bone grafting?
A. While not required for every case, dental repairs that benefit from bone grafting include:
Q. Is an autograft painful?
A. An autograft requires harvesting a small amount of bone from their own body while under anesthesia. Therefore, some post-surgical pain is expected but easily managed with medication; recovery only takes a few weeks.
Q. Are dental bone grafts safe?
A. Bone grafts are commonly used in dental surgery and are usually safe and well-tolerated. Potential risks – however rare – include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and rejection of the bone graft.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Scan here to view this page, Bone Grafting for Dental Implants, on mobile
Learn More about Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Bone grafting is a wound-healing technique that has been practiced for centuries. For dental implants, bone grafting creates a stronger base and helps integrate the artificial root into the surrounding tissues, allowing for better outcomes and implant success.
If a potential patient is in search of bone grafting for dental implants in Ann Arbor, let Great Lakes Oral Surgery help. Call us at 734-961-4864 to learn more about our services and how our oral surgeon can help you.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2024
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2024
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2024
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Great Lakes Oral Surgery was established in 2024.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Washtenaw County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, and Chelsea
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Great Lakes Oral Surgery on mobile
Back to top of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Related Posts
Dental Implants And Bone Health
Dental implants are one of the options you get to explore if you are looking to replace missing teeth. These restorations are placed in the jaw and become one with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration.While there is a common misconception that implants replace teeth, they actually replace teeth roots. These roots attach teeth…
Dental Implants: Advice For A Successful Procedure
Many dental professionals consider dental implants state-of-the-art when it comes to tooth replacement. Largely because they most closely resemble natural teeth. This benefit and other advantages make dental implants attractive for many patients. However, for implants to succeed, the patient needs to be the right candidate and care for themselves during the process. Here is…
The Advantages Of Dental Implants
If you are looking for a permanent tooth replacement, dental implants may be for you. Implants are inserted right into the jawbone and topped with dental crowns, resulting in natural-looking artificial teeth. Often, patients decide to move forward with these prosthetics due to their many benefits.Dental implants may work for patients who have lost teeth…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Great Lakes Oral Surgery on mobile