What are bone grafts? | Dental Treatment Guide


Bone grafts are a procedure by which new bone or a synthetic version of bone is inserted into an area that has suffered bone breakage or defects. This can be a prospect for those who have suffered from gum disease such as periodontitis. Those with this disease often suffer from the degeneration of gum and bone that supports their teeth as so bone graft surgery is required to restore the health.

If the bone graft is performed with actual bone, it is often removed from the patient's own bone or can be obtained from a donation. Alternatively, the graft can be done using a bone substitute that has been made in a laboratory. Either way, the bone graft must then be reshaped to ensure that it can be comfortably inserted into the affected gum location. The graft is held in place with pins and the wound is then stitched back together.

Risks associated with Bone Grafts

There are two key risk categories associated with bone graft surgery. Firstly there are the potential risks related to the use of anaesthetic, which are common with many different types of surgical procedure. These possibilities include allergic reactions and breathing issues.

Secondly, there are also some hazards accompanying the cone graft procedure. These include infection, bleeding and localised pain, however, these risks are relatively minor compared to many other surgeries.

Dental Bone Graft Success

Bone grafts are most often performed in the jaw to provide support for the insertion of dental implants. The success rate of such surgery is rather high although, as with many procedures, this is a risk that the graft will not be effective although the reasons for this remain unknown. However, it has been noted that some people are at a higher risk of the graft failing such as smokers and sufferers of specific medical conditions. If a graft does fail, it will be removed and the dentist may insert a new graft once the area is healed.

Further Information about Bone Grafting in Dental Treatment