Bone grafting is a procedure we sometimes carry out prior to dental implant treatment. The aim of treatment is to build up the density of the bone tissue to enable it support a new implant.
About bone grafting
When you have a dental implant fitted, it is placed inside a socket in the jaw bone. In order for implant treatment to be successful, there must be dense bone tissue to support the implant and enable it to integrate fully. If the bone lacks density and strength, we may recommend bone grafting.
Grafting involves using bone tissue from the patient’s mouth or tibia. It can also come from bovine-derived or Bio-Oss material and it is used to build up the bone tissue in the jaw. By adding strength to the tissue and improving the condition of the jaw bone, there is a higher chance of successful treatment. It is often possible to carry out bone grafting and implant placement in the same procedure. Your dentist will explain the grating procedure and the material options with you once they have carried out a detailed assessment.
Planning implant treatment
Before a patient has implant treatment, our dentists will carry out a thorough examination, which will include diagnostic tests and scans to ascertain whether they are a good candidate for treatment and to ensure that the jaw is in good condition. If the jaw is healthy and strong, bone grafting will probably not be required.
Once the consultation stage is complete, your dentist will draw up a tailor-made treatment plan which will detail all stages of your treatment, from the placement of the implants to the fitting of the final restorations. You can ask questions at any time and your dentist will liaise with you to make sure that you are clear about which procedures are happening when.
If grafting is required, your dentist will explain what this entails, why it is needed and how it will benefit your treatment.