If you are currently suffering bone loss and don’t have enough bone density to support dental implants, bone grafting may be the answer. At Belmont Dental Surgery, our dental team will guide you through the bone grafting procedure and explain what it involves, including the possible risks such as infection, graft failure or the need for a further procedure.
Bone Grafting in Perth
Bone grafting may be recommended for patients who do not have enough bone to support a dental implant. At Belmont Dental Surgery we provide bone grafting procedures aimed at building sufficient bone for implant placement. Graft success varies between patients and depends on health, smoking and healing.
Understanding what bone grafting involves helps patients decide whether to proceed. A successful graft can provide a foundation for dental implants. Our team uses modern grafting materials and techniques, though outcomes vary and complex cases carry a higher risk of graft failure.
We aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible while restoring oral health and function. Our team will explain each stage of your bone grafting treatment, including the risks and costs, before you proceed.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Dental implants have become increasingly popular as a long-term solution for missing teeth. But for many patients, the success of an implant depends on the quality and quantity of their jawbone. If the jawbone is too thin or too soft, it may not be able to support an implant.
This is where bone grafting comes in. Bone grafting is a procedure that involves taking bone from another part of the body (or using synthetic bone material) and placing it in the jawbone. Over time, the new bone is intended to fuse with the existing bone, creating a stronger base for an implant, although this does not occur in every case.
How Is Bone Grafting Done?
Depending on the patient’s specific needs, there are several different techniques that can be used. Here are some of the most common methods:
Autograft
This involves taking bone from another part of the patient’s own body and transplanting it to the jawbone. The bone is typically taken from the hip or shin and Autogenous bone grafting uses the patient’s own bone tissue, which may help support integration with the existing jawbone. Your dentist will assess whether this type of grafting is suitable based on your individual oral health, bone condition and treatment needs. This technique may require an additional surgery to harvest the bone, and outcomes vary between patients.
Allograft
This technique involves using bone from a cadaver donor. The bone is sterilised and processed before being transplanted to the patient’s jawbone. This technique eliminates the need for an additional surgery to harvest bone from the patient’s own body.
Allografts are typically used in cases where there is not enough bone available for an autograft or if the patient has a medical condition that makes using their own bone tissue not feasible.
Xenograft
This technique involves using bone from an animal, usually a cow or pig. The animal bone is sterilised and processed to remove all living cells, leaving behind only the mineral matrix. Over time, the patient’s body replaces the animal bone with their own new bone tissue. Like allografts, xenografts eliminate the need for an additional surgery to harvest bone from the patient’s own body.
Synthetic bone material
This technique involves using a man-made material that mimics the properties of real bone. Synthetic bone material can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramics, polymers, and calcium-based materials. This technique eliminates the need for any additional surgeries to harvest bone tissue from the patient’s own body or from a donor. However, synthetic bone material may not be as effective as real bone tissue and may require additional surgeries or procedures to maintain or replace it over time.
Schedule Your Free Dental Implant Consultation Today
To arrange a free dental implant consultation in Perth, please provide your details below. A member of our friendly team will contact you to set up your appointment.
During this free consultation you will meet with one of our implant dentists. The session will include an exam and OPG x-ray, allowing us to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our team will also discuss financing options and address any concerns regarding the procedure.
We will explain how bone grafting may support implant treatment in your case, and guide you through each stage so you have the information you need to decide – including the likely outcome, the risks and the cost.
Tips After a Bone Grafting Procedure
It’s important to take special care to ensure that the graft heals properly and to minimise the risk of complications. Here are some common precautions that you are advised to follow:
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods for the first few days after the procedure.
- Rinse your mouth with a special mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can slow down the healing process.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed, such as antibiotics or pain relievers.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling in the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
- Keep the surgical site clean by gently brushing and flossing the surrounding teeth, but avoid the graft site itself.
Bone Grafting FAQs
Is bone grafting painful?
Patients can expect some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but pain can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the dentist.
How long does it take to recover from bone grafting?
Recovery time varies depending on the individual patient and the extent of the procedure, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.
How long will the bone graft last?
The longevity of a bone graft varies depending on the individual patient and the type of bone graft used. In general, a successful bone graft will fuse with the existing bone tissue within a few months, providing a strong foundation for dental implants. Once the bone has fully integrated, it should be able to support the implants for many years to come. However, the success of a bone graft can be affected by a variety of factors, such as the patient’s overall health, their smoking habits, and their ability to maintain good oral hygiene. To help support the longevity of a bone graft, patients should follow their dentist’s instructions for post-operative care, attend regular checkups, and take any prescribed medications as directed.
How much does bone grafting cost?
The cost of bone grafting can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of bone graft used, the extent of the procedure, and your insurance coverage. We recommend you come in for an examination so that we can assess your needs and provide you with a personalised treatment plan that includes an estimate on the cost of the procedure.
Preferred Health Fund
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Where to find us
Belmont Dental Surgery
171 Belmont Avenue
Belmont WA 6104
Tel:Â 08 9277 3837
Public Transport:
There are bus stops (Transperth stop ID 14265 & 14257) directly outside the practice which are serviced by bus numbers 286, 287, 380 and 935.
