How Long is Recovery from Bone Grafting
Prior to dental implant surgery, a dentist may perform a dental bone grafting frisco tx procedure if the patient’s jawbone is not sufficiently thick to support the implant. Because of the tremendous pressure exerted on the jawbone from chewing, implant surgery is likely to fail if the bone grafting procedure is not done first to strengthen the bone.
Why Are Bone Grafting Procedures Necessary?
Because tooth roots stimulate bone growth, if a tooth is lost and not quickly replaced, the underlying bone begins to lose its density. Should the patient undergo dental implant surgery shortly after losing the tooth, the underlying bone remains intact and the dentist will not need to perform a bone grafting procedure.
In addition to losing a tooth, bone deficiencies can be caused by:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Genetics
- Injury or trauma to the face or mouth
As previously mentioned, bone grafting procedures are often needed for patients prior to dental implant surgery if they do not have adequate jawbone mass to hold the implant in place. However, should the dentist believe the jawbone is sufficient to support the implant, bone grafting is not needed.
What is Used for a Bone Graft?
A common misconception is that bone grafting only involves a dentist removing bone from one area of the patient’s mouth and placing around the area where the implant will be supported. In addition to human bone, the grafting procedure can be completed using animal bone or synthetic materials. Prior to using any material other than human bone, the dentist will first ensure it is safe to use on the patient.
What is the Recovery Time from Bone Grafting?
There are different types of bone grafts and which the patient receives will ultimately dictate their recovery time. Types of bone graft include:
- Socket Graft: The most common bone graft type, socket grafts are used to prevent the alveolar bone from atrophying. The procedure generally uses human bone, and the tissue is placed into the socket to prevent collapse. Recovery time from a socket graft is typically between 4-6 months.
- Lateral Ridge Preservation Graft: Used to increase jawbone width to better accommodate a future dental implant. Cadaver donor bone is typically used, and recovery time is generally 4-6 months.
- Block Bone Graft: Should there be large defects in the patient’s jawbone, a block bone graft may be needed. From the lateral (back) jaw, a small block of bone is harvested. The tissue is then placed in the defective area and secured with titanium screws. Patients generally heal from the procedure within 4-6 months.
- Sinus Lift: If the patient needs a dental implant in the upper jaw but the jaw is not strong enough to support the implant on its own, a sinus lift procedure may be necessary. Equine bone is generally used so that the graft may be expanded and because it does not dissolve as rapidly as human bone. The equine bone serves as a support on which additional bone is grown in the sinus. Because the structures of the sinus anatomy are complex, recovery from a sinus lift takes between 8-12 months.