Bone Grafting
Escanaba, MI

Although bone grafting is a very involved and advanced medical specialty, the fact of the matter is that it has actually been around for more than a century. That has allowed medical practitioners from every area of practice to improve on the technique and equipment needed for several decades. This incredibly versatile treatment offers applications for anything from protection to restoration.

The highly skilled dental professionals here at Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry are among some of the most experienced in the field when it comes to these types of procedures. We have been performing them on our patients for many years.

Various Kinds of Dental Bone Grafting

Bone grafting specifically for dental procedures comes in three main options. These are referred to as block bone grafting, socket grafting, and sinus lifts. Each is unique in their own details and offers different benefits and results based on the needs of the individual patient.

In block bone grafting, bone harvested from the back of the jaw is placed onto the area which is suffering from bone loss. With socket grafting, replacement bone is inserted onto the area from which a tooth has been extracted. This helps to keep the integrity of the walls and floors of the socket intact while it heals. Finally, a sinus lift is a procedure in which the floor of the sinuses is elevated.

Each of these procedures is performed in order to provide the proper bone mass and strength to support dental implants.

How the Process Works

Regardless of which type of dental bone grafting procedure you undergo, the main purpose is almost always to create enough mass and volume within the jawbone to support dental implants. When the bone has deteriorated to a certain point, the jaw no longer has the strength or integrity to support the anchor which the crown attaches to. The amount of bone loss will decide how small or how big of a replacement bone is needed.

Reasons You May Need It

The main cause of bone deterioration in the jaw is the loss of teeth. When this happens the graft needs to be performed as quickly as possible to avoid even further loss of mass and strength. Whenever a tooth falls out or is removed, it almost immediately begins to resorb. In the cases where this is allowed to continue for longer periods of time, it can advance to the point where it even begins to change the physical features of the face, as the cheeks and lips will develop a sunken appearance.

What the Procedure Involves

Although each type of procedure has its own specific details, the basics are the same. An incision is made in the gums at the point where the dental bone graft will be done. After that, a tiny circle is cut into the jawbone to insert the replacement bone. Once finished, the area is closed with sutures and the healing process will begin.

Bone grafting may be just what you need to address your dental issues. If you have suffered bone loss which is affecting your ability to get the type of treatment you prefer, read our dental implant FAQs and give us a call here at Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry. Our expert dental care providers will be more than happy to go over your options with you. You can reach us by dialing (906) 212-4725 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bone grafting a painful procedure?

Anesthesia modality for dental bone graft procedures hinges on surgical complexity and patient preference. Local anesthesia, numbing the graft site, enables patient awareness during surgery, yet without experiencing any pain. For extensive grafts or anxious patients, sedation options ranging from oral to intravenous (IV) sedatives are available. General anesthesia induces deep sleep for the surgery's duration.

How long does the bone grafting procedure take?

Bone graft surgical procedures entail several steps, commencing with a comprehensive consultation wherein Dr. Hallas evaluates oral health, medical history, and specific grafting requisites. Preceding surgery, anesthesia is administered to ensure a pain-free experience, tailored to graft complexity and patient comfort. The chosen graft material is placed at the target site, secured, and the surgical site closed with sutures. Subsequently, post-surgery, the body initiates the healing process, with osseointegration facilitating graft integration with existing bone.

What is the recovery time for bone grafting?

Post-operative care adherence is paramount, encompassing medication compliance, oral hygiene, and abstention from activities potentially disrupting graft sites. A balanced diet rich in bone-boosting nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus fosters optimal healing. Tobacco cessation and alcohol moderation further support healing, alongside hydration maintenance and routine follow-up appointments.

Bone graft healing timelines vary, contingent upon graft type, procedural site, and individual health. Initial healing, marked by blood clot formation and the body's healing response, spans several days. Over ensuing weeks to months, osseointegration transpires, culminating in gradual fusion of transplanted bone material with existing bone. Smaller grafts or those in low-stress areas may heal within three to six months, whereas larger grafts or high-stress areas may necessitate six months to a year for complete integration and maturation.

Are there risks associated with bone grafting?

Bone grafting, while generally safe, does carry some risks. These may include infection at the graft site, inadequate bone healing or integration, nerve damage, and excessive bleeding. Additionally, there's a small risk of allergic reaction to the graft material, and in rare cases, the possibility of the body rejecting the graft. Proper assessment by a healthcare professional and adherence to post-operative care can help mitigate these risks.

Can anyone get a bone graft?

Numerous scenarios prompt the need for bone grafting: