Dental bone loss, caused by missing teeth, is a very common situation that can hinder the placement of implants. The implants need bone to fully implant in your jaw by the process of ossification, or bone growth. If you don’t have enough bone to support an implant, your dentist will consider a bone graft. If you go to a specialized dental clinic, placing a bone graft for dental implants can help you overcome this problem.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that aims to strengthen or increase the amount of bone in a specific area of the body. In the specific case of dental bone grafting for dental implants, this technique serves to ensure greater bone stability at the site where the implant will be placed.
The absence of teeth causes a gradual loss of bone in the region, caused by the phenomenon of bone resorption.
The health of your teeth and the appearance of your smile depend greatly on the tissues that support your teeth. The alveolar bone, which surrounds the roots of the teeth, is of great importance in this set, which is why bone loss needs to be treated with great attention.
It happens when the bone that supports the teeth reabsorbs. In more serious cases, there is a risk of losing the tooth. Therefore, it is essential to observe the symptoms, identify them early on and seek help from a dentist.
We prepared this article to explain what bone loss is, the symptoms it triggers, its main causes, how to avoid the problem and how it can be treated. Stay up to date on the subject, which is essential for a beautiful and healthy smile!
What is bone loss?
Bone loss occurs when alveolar bone resorption occurs. It becomes worn, thinner and lower, which causes damage to other tissues and also to the teeth.
The fact is that, in order for the teeth to remain fixed in the mouth, they are surrounded by the periodontium. This structure is made up of different tissues, which keep the teeth trapped in the dental arch and act as a type of natural shock absorber, ensuring comfort when chewing.
One of the tissues that make up the periodontium is the alveolar bone. The tooth root is trapped in it, which is why it is essential that it has good health and quality. This is the only way to provide adequate fixation of the dentition.
Concern occurs when this bone is affected by problems, which originate specifically in the oral cavity or affect the entire body.
In the most serious cases, the lack of bone can compromise the viability of dental implants . In these cases, a bone graft is necessary in the area.
Types of materials used in grafts for dental rehabilitation
Placing dental implants is a solution for missing teeth, as long as all the conditions are met to ensure the secure fixation of the implants.
One of these conditions is the existence of bone with sufficient size and density to keep the implants stable. In many cases, this is not the case, and it is necessary to resort to a bone graft in the area where the implants will be placed.
During this procedure, the dentist may use materials from different sources, that is, there are several types of bone graft. The most common are:
Autogenous graft
In which the patient's own bone materials are used, taken from other areas of the body, such as the bones of the ribs or pelvis, for example.
Allograft
In which bone materials of animal origin and of the same species but from another person are used.
Xenograft
In which bone materials of animal origin are used, but from other species, compatible with humans. In this case, grafts of bovine or porcine origin can be used.
Synthetic graft
In which synthetic bone materials are used, developed in the laboratory based on biocompatible components.
It should be noted that the use of each of these types of bone graft always requires a clinical evaluation, because there is an indication for each type of graft.
Bone grafting procedure steps for dental implants
At Medway, the entire surgical procedure for bone grafting to place dental implants is carried out in such a way as to ensure the patient's comfort and the success of the intervention. Therefore, after a careful assessment, a personalized intervention plan and the respective deadlines are defined.
1. Anesthesia
On the day of the bone graft surgery, local anesthesia is administered to eliminate any sensation of pain. If necessary, the patient may be given light sedation.
2. Application of bone graft
The bone graft is then applied to the defined sites (in particles, small fragments or in blocks). The area to be treated is then protected and sutured. The patient can go home after the procedure and resume their activities the following day.
3. Bone tissue regeneration
Then, you just need to wait for the bone to regenerate, which takes about 6 months. After this period, the bone will be stronger and ready for the correct fixation of dental implants.
4. Placement of dental implants
Once the bone density achieved after the graft has been verified, the implantology specialist can proceed with the normal placement of dental implants to replace the missing teeth . Thanks to the preparation of the bone, it is possible to guarantee stable and definitive results.
What is a bone graft for sinus lift or sinus lift?
When dental implants are placed in the upper jaw, a bone graft may be needed to raise the maxillary sinus. This procedure is called a sinus lift .
The maxillary sinus is a hollow area located in the posterior region of the upper jaw. The lack of teeth near this space can trigger bone loss, making it impossible to place dental implants without a bone graft.
Whenever the bone is too thin, it becomes necessary to increase the bone thickness of the jaw in that location before applying the implants, through a sinus lift.
Dietary care after placement of sinus lift implants is equivalent to that of other interventions, such as tooth extraction, for example. You should consume cold and soft foods during the first few days.
