Bone graft dental surgery involves the addition of bone material to enhance jaw volume and density. A person may require the procedure after bone loss due to trauma, infections, or other reasons.

In 2022, about 171,683 bone graft surgeries were performed in Canada. The number is continuously rising with time because of the increased need for dental bone grafting after accidents, teeth loss due to poor oral hygiene, and other reasons.

You may also be thinking of getting bone graft dental surgery to deal with bone loss. That is why knowing what happens during bone grafting can prepare you for your upcoming procedure.

So let’s walk you through the procedure of bone graft surgery and dental bone graft healing stages.

What Is Bone Graft Dental Surgery?

A bone graft dental surgery is a process during which a dentist will enhance your jaw volume. They will add grafting material to the site of bone loss to help your natural bone tissue grow.

The regrowth of bone tissue and maturation will restore the area to its original density. This means your jaw symmetry will improve and you will not suffer from oral health problems.

Dental Bone Graft Material For Surgery

The dental bone graft material is the substance that a dentist will add to the space where you're experiencing bone thinning or loss. This material can come from another bone in your body or may be synthetic.

Here are the dental bone graft material options that your dentist may use for your surgery:

• Autograft is bone material that a dentist will take from your own leg bone or hip bone

• Allograft is a bone graft that comes from another person, and a dentist can acquire it from a licensed donor bank legally

• Xenograft is bone tissue that is taken from the bone of another species such as cow or pig

• Alloplast is a synthetic bone graft material such as hydroxyapatite that is made in laboratories

The most common bone material that dentists use is an autograft. Most experts take samples from the patient's hip bone. However, some dentists also use leg bone as a source of an autograft.

Types Of Bone Graft In Dentistry

Bone grafting can be done for various reasons to support a person’s jaw. Below are the types of bone graft dental surgeries:

1.Socket Preservation

A socket bone graft is mainly performed to preserve a tooth socket during a tooth extraction procedure. In such cases, a dentist will remove a patient’s tooth and then place a bone graft in the same surgery.

This combined procedure prevents a patient from losing bone material due to tooth extraction. It can also reduce the need for future procedures to restore jaw structure or correct bone loss complications.

2.Ridge Augmentations

Ridge augmentation is standard bone graft surgery usually done after tooth removal. For example, you may be getting a tooth removed due to infection, cavity, or trauma. 

Once the procedure is done, your dentist may schedule you for a bone graft another day in the same week. The main purpose of such grafting is to maintain your jaw shape and restore any changes that may have occurred after the tooth extraction.

3.Bone Graft For Periodontal Disease 

About 6% of the general adult population in Canada has severe periodontal disease. It is a serious gum disease that causes inflammation and destroys bone support.

This is why a periodontal graft surgery is necessary in some people to restore the support to a tooth. The new graft material also enhances jaw stability in people with periodontal disease.

4.Sinus Lift

Maxillary sinuses are spaces in the maxillary bones of the upper jaw in every regular person. However, sometimes the sinus membrane may impede a dental implant procedure.

In such cases, a sinus lift is performed to create space for the placement of new bone. The surgery also ensures a smooth dental implant procedure.

Also Read: https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/gum-graft-cost-in-toronto 

What Happens During Bone Graft Dental Surgery?

You may be scared of getting a bone graft dental surgery due to fear of pain or other reasons. This is why knowing the general steps of the procedure can reduce your fear and help you stay calm during the surgery.

1.Pre-Care Before Surgery

Pre-care is necessary before bone graft dental surgery to ensure a smooth procedure. You must avoid eating and drinking anything at least 8 hours before the surgery.

Fasting before the surgery is necessary to ensure the sedatives you receive during the procedure don't cause adverse reactions. You should also check with your dentist about medications that you may be taking for other health conditions.

These pre-care steps can help you avoid complications and worsening of dental bone graft healing stages.

2.Administration Of Sedative

When you reach the dentist's office, you will be directed to a comfortable operating chair for the procedure. The expert will usually inject a sedative around the surgical site to numb you.

Some people scared of being awake during dental procedures can also ask to be anesthetized. If you also have such fear, you must let your dentist know beforehand.

3.Incision And Filling

Once your gums are numb, the actual procedure will start. Your dental expert will make an incision in your gums at the site of bone loss. They will then gently move away the gums from your jawbone.

This will expose the site of bone thinning or loss. The expert will use a swab to clean and disinfect the jawbone area. Then, they will add the bone grafting material to fill the space.

4.Placement Of Membrane 

Leaving the graft material exposed is not good for bone growth, so your dentist will cover it with a membrane. The membrane is acquired from a tissue bank and protects the dental bone graft material.

Most membranes absorb graft material and disappear during dental bone graft healing stages. However, some membranes may have to be removed during follow-up.

5.Stitching Of Surgical Site

Upon membrane placement, the bone graft surgery will be complete. Your dentist will reposition the gums they moved away to expose the jawbone.

They will also stitch the part where they made the incision and place a gauze over the area to protect it. After a week or designated time by the dentist, your stitches will be removed.

Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages 

You will undergo various dental bone graft healing stages after the surgery. Having some knowledge about the stages can help you prepare yourself for the recovery journey. So let's look at the four dental bone graft healing stages:

1.Inflammation And Swelling

The initial healing stage will begin immediately after the surgery is done. It involves inflammation and swelling that will subside within a week. This is why we say that the first stage of graft healing lasts for seven days.

Minor bleeding may occur during the first two days of healing, but it will stop from the third day onwards.

2.Loss Of Bone Fragments And Early Formation Of New Bone

The second stage of dental bone graft healing involves the development of new bone from the graft material. Your body will use the material as a scaffold where new bone cells grow and deposit tissue.

This tissue will eventually form new bone that will support your jaw. Some fragments of bone material may also leak as sand grains in this stage. However, the loss is normal and minor.

It will take about two to four weeks for the new bone to form, after which the next stage will begin.

3.Strengthening Of Developing Bone

Intermediate healing is one of the dental bone graft healing stages that involves the strengthening of the newly formed bone. Typically, it is called the third stage of healing.

The bone graft will solidify and strengthen during this period to offer more stability to the new bone. Your new bone tissue will also replace the graft material eventually to enhance jaw strength permanently.

This period of healing takes about one to three months. You can resume your regular activities in this stage but must avoid exertional activities that can damage the graft.

4.Complete Bone Maturation

The final stage of dental bone graft healing starts with the maturation of the developing bone. It involves the solidification of new bone tissue that can prepare your jawbone for a dental implant later.

Typically, it takes three to six months for a new bone to mature completely. When the bone has matured, you will be ready to receive a dental implant.

How To Speed Up Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages?

Dental bone graft healing stages have specific timelines that every patient experiences. However, the healing may be very slow in some people.

If you don’t want your recovery process to be slow, you can use the following methods to speed up dental bone graft healing stages:

1.Follow Aftercare Instructions

Every dentist gives their patient aftercare instructions following graft surgery. For example, you must change the gauze on the stitched-up site within 24 hours to avoid infection.

You should also take the antibiotics on time and complete the course to avoid complications. The dentist may also tell you to apply an ice pack on the outer area of your jaw to minimize bleeding.

2.Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary to ensure a smooth recovery. If you don't brush or floss your teeth regularly, food particles may build up in your mouth.

These particles can then give way for bacteria to grow in your mouth. This may cause an infection of the surgical site. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to graft rejection by your body.

Learn More: https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/how-to-use-a-water-flosser 

3.Don’t Disturb The Surgical Site

While you must maintain good oral hygiene, don't disturb the surgical site. Touching the stitches often with fingers may contaminate them. It can also lead to unnecessary bleeding that can impede the healing process.

You must also avoid using a toothpick on the surgical site area after having food. The sharp item may nick the stitch and open the wound.

Signs Of Failed Dental Bone Graft Surgery

The chances of success after dental bone graft surgery are 99% usually. However, the graft may fail in specific cases such as when your body is rejecting the material.

Identification of graft failure is easy when you know the exact signs. These include:

• Inflammation, pain, and swelling that don't subside within a week of surgery

• Pus material around the surgical site indicates infection and graft failure

• High-grade fever for several days

• Major bleeding even after two days of surgery

• Persistent tingling or feeling of numbness

If you notice any of these symptoms, you must contact the dentist immediately.

FAQs

What Is The Dental Bone Graft Cost In Canada?

Dental bone graft costs in Canada may range from $400 to $3,000, depending on the surgery type.

How Painful Is A Dental Bone Graft Surgery?

A dental bone graft surgery is relatively painless because you will be numb due to the sedative. After the surgery, you may experience mild discomfort for a week.

How Long Does Dental Bone Graft Surgery Take?

The typical time a dental bone graft surgery takes for completion is 30 to 90 minutes.

What Can I Eat After Dental Bone Graft Surgery?

You must eat only soft and bland foods for the first three days such as yogurt, ice cream, and milkshakes. Avoid having hot beverages and food as they can cause sensitivity and pain.

Reach Out KWC Dental Now To Schedule Your Bone Graft Dental Surgery Immediately

A bone graft dental surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help restore jaw strength and stability. It can also be done for cosmetic reasons to correct facial asymmetry that occurs after bone loss.

If you want to get dental graft surgery in Canada, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation. Our dental expert can help you understand the entire procedure and whether you require it or not.