Dental bone reconstruction, also known as the bone graft procedure, is more common than some of our readers might think. We associate bone reconstruction with complicated surgeries related to accidents, when in reality, oral surgeons and periodontists conduct bone graft procedures quite frequently-and without issue.

For many, the bone graft is simply part of the dental implant procedure. Don't believe us? Take a look at this study from 2016. In a study of nearly 800 patients, over half of them needed dental bone grafts prior to receiving their dental implant.

Why is that the case? Why are bone grafts so common, and why are they so integral to the dental implant procedure?

Dr. Caudry and Co. have the answers to all these questions and more. Over the course of this blog post, we will shed some light on the subject of dental bone reconstruction and dental implantology. As always, if you have any questions or inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us at (416) 928-3444

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

In the interest of clarity, we feel we should start by explaining what a dental bone graft is.

For the uninitiated, a bone graft refers to a procedure that aims to increase the amount of bone in a certain part of the jaw.

To perform a dental bone graft, oral surgeons typically add synthetic, bone-like material to a portion of the jaw that has disappeared due to decay or oral trauma. The reason for grafting synthetic material to the jaw is to increase volume and strengthen the jaw itself.

Why Might the Jaw Need a Graft?

Over time, the loss of a tooth can lead to the loss of jaw bone. Without the tooth's root in place, the impacted area will eventually deteriorate. While this might not seem like an issue to some, those who want dental implants might first require a bone graft. Without strong bone to support the implant, the implant procedure will fail.

What's more, a jaw-bone graft benefits the patient simply because a strong jaw reduces the likelihood of future complications.

The Bone Graft Procedure

Some bone graft procedures involve the harvesting of bone material from the patient's-or another's-body. This is an incredibly effective and involved approach, but it is not the approach we take at our facilities. Under the supervision of Dr. Caudry, we perform synthetic grafts.

The synthetic graft requires the use of safe, biomaterials. We use these protein-based biocompatible materials in the place of actual bone. Over time these materials bond to the jaw and foster the growth of new bone.

Surgical Times

Bone grafts are a straightforward procedure in our facilities. They can take as little time as one hour. Thanks to our cutting-edge and safe approach to the surgical process, you will be in and out of the dentist's chair in little time at all.

What's more, bone grafts have an incredibly high rate of success. In as little as several weeks, new bone will begin to form. Before long, your jaw will be ready to support new dental implants.

Bone Grafts Stop Atrophy

Bone grafts hold many benefits for patients. They strengthen the jaw and ensure patient's mouths can support dental implants for years to come. One of the most significant benefits, however, relates to bone atrophy.

Bone atrophy usually occurs within several years of the initial loss of a tooth. As the jaw deteriorates, teeth may shift, and the appearance of your smile might change, too. What's more, your jaw will be significantly weaker.

By investing in a bone graft, patients can stop bone atrophy in its tracks. Rather than idly letting bone deteriorate, the graft procedure promotes the growth of healthy new bone.

Types of Bone Grafts

We specialize in the synthetic graft procedure, but there are many other approaches than those we specialize in. Here is some information on the other approaches to dental bone reconstruction.

Autograft

The autograft is the grafting procedure most of us have in mind when we think of bone grafts. With an autograft, the surgeon uses a piece of bone material from the patient's body. In the case of dental procedures, surgeons will typically take bone material from the chin or elsewhere on the jaw.

There are certainly benefits to this approach. Given that surgeons harvest the material from the patient's own body, there is little risk of infection or problems that typically arise from transplants. That said, there are some drawbacks to the autograft. Unlike our approach, the autograft procedure requires two surgical sites, which means lengthier recovery times and an increase in post-surgical infections.

Allograft

Rather than taking bone material from the patient's own body, the allograft procedure requires harvesting the bone material of a donor. While there might have been concerns of infections in the past, modern surgeons are careful enough to ensure that patients are paired with only the most suitable donors.

One of the biggest benefits of the allograft procedure is that it spares the patient from having to endure more than one surgical process.

Xenograft

Not too many people talk about the xenograft anymore-and for a good reason. In the case of a xenograft, the bone material a patient receives comes from another species. The days of the xenograft have come and gone.

Learn More from Celebrated Oral Surgeons

As you can see, the bone graft procedure is common and routine. What's more, it is a specialty of Dr. Caudry and those in her wonderful, accommodating facilities. From the reconstruction of the jaw to the customization and placement of the dental implant, we are capable of doing it all. We'll answer your questions, address your concerns, oversee the revitalization of your smile, and everything in between.

All that's required of you is for you to contact us.

Call the facilities of Dr. Suzanne Caudry by dialing (416) 928-3444 at your convenience. We cannot wait to serve you.