Cost: $300 (does not include cost of extraction)

Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations, most notably dental implants. In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth, and width of the jawbone at the implant site. When the jawbone has receded, sustained significant damage, or a tooth has been recently extracted, the implant cannot be supported on this unstable foundation, and bone grafting is usually recommended prior to the implant surgery.

There are several major factors that affect jaw bone volume:

• Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease can affect and permanently damage the jaw bone that supports the teeth. Affected areas progressively worsen until the teeth become unstable.
• Tooth Extraction – Studies have shown that patients who have experienced a tooth extraction can subsequently lose up to 60% of the bone surrounding the extraction site during the following three years. Loss of bone results in what is called a “bone defect”.
• Injuries and Infections – Dental injuries and other physical injuries resulting from a blow to the jaw can cause the bone to recede. Infections can also cause the jaw bone to recede in a similar way.

Reasons For Bone Grafts

Bone grafting is a highly successful procedure in most cases. It is also a preferable alternative to having missing teeth, diseased teeth, or tooth deformities. Bone grafting can increase the height or width of the jawbone and fill in voids and defects in the bone.

There are essentially two basic ways in which bone grafting can positively impact the health and stability of the teeth:

• Jaw Stabilization – Bone grafting stabilizes and helps restore the jaw foundation for restorative or implant surgery. Deformities can also be corrected and the restructuring of the bone can provide added support.

• Preservation – Bone grafting can be used to limit or prevent bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.

Oral Examination

Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the affected area in order to assess the general condition of the teeth and gums. If periodontal disease is present or the adjacent teeth are in poor condition, these factors will be fully addressed before the bone grafting procedure can begin. The dentist will also recommend a CBCT (3D scan) in order to assess the precise depth and width of the existing bone. Depending on the complexity of these results, the dentist may choose to refer to a specialist who can perform more complicated grafting procedures.

What Does Bone Grafting Involve?

There are several types of bone grafts, but at Honest Dental, we perform a type of graft called a Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Graft. Harvested from the patient’s blood, this method is our preferred grafting technique because studies have shown that PRF grafts produce the most successful and predictable results. This is because PRF is what your body naturally uses to create bone, and we harvest it from your body directly, so there's a significantly reduced chance of your body rejecting the graft.

The bone grafting procedure can often take several months to completely heal because it takes a long time for your body to grow new bone. This new bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with a bone graft will result in greater bone mass to help support an implant or other dental treatment.

What Happens During a Bone Graft Surgery?

During the surgery, the dentist will numb the grafting sites using local anesthetic. The graft is commonly placed the same day as the extraction. Blood will be drawn from the patient and converted into PRF grafts in our in-house lab. The new PRF membranes will be placed in the extraction site (or other grafting site if it is not following an extraction). On occasion, a PRF membrane may be used to cover the new graft. This membrane prevents soft tissue and bacterial invasions, and encourages new bone growth. A dissolvable suture is placed over the graft to ensure stability. The suture does not require an additional appointment for removal, and surgery does not require an overnight stay. Following the procedure, you will be provided with comprehensive instructions for your post-operative care. The dentist will prescribe medications to help manage infection, discomfort, and swelling.