Times have changed. For the better.

Bone grafting often has a negative connotation because it was previously associated with drilling bone from a donor site outside the mouth such as the hip bone. However, these days bone grafting procedures are very simple and are not associated with significant discomfort and swelling.

The grafting procedure –  the dentist gains access to high-quality bone at the back of the mouth using a micro-incision. They then mix the natural bone with artificial bone materials and apply it to the implant site area. Adequate bone quantity is necessary for long term implant health.

Your recovery: what to expect – usually, the recovery for bone grafting is no different from having an implant placed. There may be some slight increase in swelling which is to be expected and totally normal. Any discomfort and swelling that you may feel can be effectively managed with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Socket Bone Grafting
(To save the bone when teeth are being removed)

At the time of tooth removal, or the months following, we may recommend a socket bone graft. This form of bone grafting aims to pro-actively prevent bone loss by providing the bone around a tooth which has just been removed with a ‘scaffolding’ to assist the bone healing over a following three to eight month period.

Sinus Bone Grafting
(for Upper Back Teeth)

In the Upper Jaw, following removal of back teeth, the sinus above enlarges quickly and commonly, before dental implants are placed, a prior procedure to re-establish proper bone size is required. This procedure is performed in a separate stage about 2 to 10 months before dental implant placement. On occasions, this procedure may be performed when the dental implant is placed. Healing is usually uneventful and only mild discomfort is noticed for a few days, where anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics will improve comfort. Smoking will prevent the proper healing of the bone following the procedure.

Guided Bone Regeneration
(for any tooth)

When bone is lost in the front of the mouth, or even in the back of the mouth, a visual void may be noticeable. To rebuild these areas, Guided Bone Regeneration can be utilized to rebuild the missing bone. Combinations of bones from wisdom tooth areas, inside the chin may be used along with artificial or allografts. Collagen membranes make Guided Bone Regeneration more comfortable than in the past due to the ability to eliminate an extra surgery to remove the membrane. Healing is usually uneventful and only mild discomfort is noticed for a few days, where anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics will improve comfort. Smoking will prevent the proper healing of the bone following the procedure.

Bone Grafting in Larger Areas
(Particularly for denture wearers)

Larger Quantities of Bone Grafting are performed using the Iliac Crest (Hip Bone). the bone can provide very reliable and large quantities of bone.

More information about Bone Grafting

The evaluation of Bone Grafting for full-denture wearers first involves a Cone-beam CT Scan. This scan produces a three-dimensional image of the jaws, and identifies areas of suitable bone. On occasions, this scan may identify bone is adequate without Grafting, therefore eliminating the need, and proceeding straight to Dental Implant Placement.

Where there is remarkable bone loss, specialist consultation for bone grafting using outside the mouth bone is recommended. Results can return your Jaw Bone to become suitable for Dental Implants. Healing can involve moderate discomfort for a number of days. Rest, Ice-packs, anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics will improve your comfort.

Bone Grafting in General

It is best to have an active plan when teeth are being removed for your optimal time-line to prevent the loss of bone.

It is our observation that by far, placement of Dental Implants within the first year following tooth removal gives the most natural results, before bone loss can occur.

This may prevent bone grafting procedures all together.

Should you require bone grafting procedures, many of the procedures can be performed in the dental chair at Smile Artistry. Modern Cone-beam CT scan computer planning allows for very detailed and accurate planning to be performed, giving you peace of mind.

Recommendation

Before tooth removal, or as soon as possible after tooth removal, visit for a Dental Implant Consultation with our team to discuss your situation and give you your specific treatment recommendations.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.