Bone Grafting Gilbert & Phoenix AZ

Bone grafting is the surgical placement of transplanted bone to rebuild or repair areas where bone mass is lacking due to disease, damage, or resorption. In dentistry and oral surgery, bone grafting is most often used to build up the jawbone in preparation for the placement of dental implants. This is considered minor bone grafting and usually uses tissue from the roof of the mouth or obtained from a tissue bank as the graft material.

Minor Bone Grafting

Minor bone grafting is performed in our surgical suites while the patient is sedated and the area is numbed. We place the graft material in the area of the weakened or thinned jawbone, building it up. Over several weeks or months, the bone grafting material integrates with the jawbone, stimulating new growth and creating a strong, stable foundation for dental implants.

Dental implants are the most common reason oral surgeons perform minor bone grafting. However, patients with periodontal disease may also need bone grafts to stabilize teeth loosened due to gum recession and bone deterioration.

Will I Need Bone Grafting to Get Dental Implants?

Not necessarily. It depends on the condition of your jawbone and how long your teeth have been missing. Grafting is required if your jawbone doesn’t have enough depth or thickness to support the implants securely. The sooner you replace missing teeth with implants, the less likely bone grafting will be needed.

Several conditions increase the likelihood you may need bone grafting:

• Significant jawbone loss. Many patients lose up to 25% of their jawbone mass in the first year following tooth loss.
• Injury to the jaw.
• Congenital defects.
• Periodontal disease.

Major Bone Grafting

Major bone grafting is usually performed to repair larger defects or injuries to the jaws, including tumors, congenital defects, and traumatic injuries. Grafting materials may be harvested from the patient’s skull, knee, or hip or obtained from a bone bank. Major bone grafting is performed in a hospital and requires hospitalization for a few days to monitor the graft.

Bone Grafting Frequently Asked Questions

How successful are bone grafts?

The success rate of bone grafts is an impressive 98%, a testament to the effectiveness of this procedure. However, this depends on the type of bone graft, the grafting material used, and the time allowed for recovery. If you receive bone grafts prior to getting dental implants, it is crucial to allow sufficient healing time for the jawbone to grow and heal before placing the implants.

What are the side effects of bone grafting?

Side effects are typically minor and temporary, including some pain and swelling. We recommend ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers to control any discomfort. There may be minor bleeding for the first 24 hours. More serious side effects may include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or bone graft rejection. However, these are rare and can be managed effectively. If your pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, bleeding is significant, or you develop a fever, call your surgeon immediately.

What kinds of bone grafting materials are used?

Depending on how much bone material is required, the procedure, and your preferences, you and your surgeon can choose from several types of bone graft sources, including:

• Autografts: Bone tissue taken from your body, usually the roof of the mouth, hip, or jaw. There is no risk of rejection with an autograft.
• Allografts: Donor bone from a cadaver that has been processed and sterilized.
• Xenografts: Bone obtained from animals such as pigs or cows.
• Synthetic bone: Lab-created materials mimicking natural bone and promoting new bone growth.

What can I eat after dental bone grafting?

You will need to stick to a soft diet for a few days after the bone grafting procedure to allow the site to heal and prevent damage to the graft material. After that, you can begin adding firmer foods. You can eat a normal diet within a week, but we suggest avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first two weeks.

At your initial consultation, we will explain the bone grafting procedure in detail. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with our office at Gilbert: Gilbert Office Phone Number (480) 900-0001 or Phoenix: Phoenix Office Phone Number (623) 463-2222.