What is Bone Graft?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure performed to increase bone tissue in cases where there is not enough bone volume in the jawbone. This procedure helps to create a solid and sufficient bone structure required for the placement of dental implants. The jawbone may melt over time due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma or other factors. In this case, bone grafting increases the bone volume and prepares a suitable ground for implant treatment.
Advantages of Bone Graft
- Suitable Ground for Implant Treatment: Bone grafting provides sufficient bone volume for the placement of dental implants. In this way, more stable and long-lasting implants are obtained.
- Preventing Bone Loss: Bone grafting stops the loss of bone in the jaw and strengthens the existing bone structure. This is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
- Preservation of Facial Lines: The loss of the jawbone can cause the facial lines to deteriorate and collapse. Bone grafting helps preserve the facial lines and achieve a more youthful appearance.
- Supporting Gum Health: Bone grafting ensures that the gums fit around the teeth and implants in a healthy manner, which helps improve both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
- Long-Lasting Results: When performed correctly, bone grafting provides long-lasting results and increases the success of implants.
In Which Situations Is Bone Graft Applied?
- Bone Loss After Tooth Loss: If bone loss has occurred in the jaw after tooth loss, bone grafting can be performed before placing the implant.
- Periodontal Diseases: Advanced periodontal diseases can cause loss of jaw bone. In these cases, bone grafting can be done after tooth extraction or before tooth loss occurs.
- Post-Traumatic: If damage has occurred to the jawbone as a result of an accident, impact or other trauma, bone grafting is an effective method of repairing this damage.
- Congenital or Developmental Bone Deficiencies: Bone grafting can be applied to patients whose jawbone is not sufficiently developed due to congenital or developmental reasons.
Treatment Process
- Initial Examination and Evaluation: Bone graft treatment begins with a detailed dental and jaw examination. At this stage, the dentist evaluates the condition of your jawbone, bone density, and your general oral health. As a result of the examination, it is determined which areas require bone graft.
- Bone Graft Application: Performed under local anesthesia, the bone graft procedure involves adding bone tissue to areas of the jawbone that are missing. The graft material can be obtained from the patient’s own bone, synthetic materials, or donor-sourced bone tissue. After the procedure, a few months are required for the graft material to integrate into the bone.
- Healing Process: During the process of the bone graft integrating into the bone, the patient’s healing process is closely monitored. During this process, following the care instructions recommended by your dentist will help accelerate healing.
- Implant Placement: Once the bone graft has successfully integrated, dental implants are placed into the jawbone. With the placement of implants, the problem of tooth loss is permanently resolved.
- Regular Checkups and Maintenance: After treatment is complete, it is important to attend regular dental checkups to maintain the health of the implants and bone graft. Additionally, careful attention to oral hygiene is essential for long-term success.
