Dental Treatment Abroad
What is bone grafting and when can it be used?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is used to insure that the quantity of bones required for dental treatment is sufficient.
Implant treatment requires a sufficient quantity of bones to hold the implant. Jaw injuries, loss of teeth or developmental problems can all lead to unsatisfactory amount of bones which make the surgical intervention impossible. Bone grafting is carried out either before or during the implant surgery.
Bone Grafting Procedures
There are several different bone grafting procedures:
• Sinus Grafting - the donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus membrane, which is the roof of the upper jaw. This procedure strengthens the egg shell thin wall of bone left behind after the upper teeth are removed.
• Block Bone Grafting - a block of bone is removed from one area of the patient and screwed into the area where the implants are to be placed. It takes four to six months for the new bone to integrate with the jaw bone.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration - when a dentist creates a surgical hole, the soft gum tissue grows quickly over the hole blocking the bone. A membrane barrier is placed over the surgical hole to prevent unwanted gum growth. The membrane is removed later or absorbed by the body.
• Bone Expansion - the walls of the bone is stretched or widened to accommodate the implant.
• Socket Preservation Grafting - a donor bone is inserted into the tooth socket after tooth removal and takes four to six months to completely heal.
Once the jaw has been re-built it takes between 3 and 12 months before an implant can be fitted.
Bone grafting is advised on by the dentist who in case of insufficient quantity of bones will arrange for an X-ray and/or dental CT scan.
Bone Grafting