Bone grafting is an oral surgery procedure that restores lost or deteriorated bone in the jaw. It involves placing graft material in the area where bone has diminished, prompting the body to generate new, healthy bone tissue over time. According to a review published in the National Library of Medicine, bone grafting is one of the most common procedures in dental medicine, used to support dental implants, ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and socket preservation. The graft material gradually integrates with your natural bone, creating a solid, lasting base.
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The procedure is less involved than many patients anticipate. After local anesthesia is administered, your provider makes a small incision in the gum tissue, places the graft material, and closes the site. Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two, with full bone maturation taking several months as your body does its work.
Types of Bone Graft Materials We Use
There are several types of bone grafts available, each made from a different material. These graft materials include:
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- Autografts: Bone taken from another area of your own body, offering the highest compatibility and healing potential.
- Allografts: Donor bone from a tissue bank, carefully processed and widely used for its convenience and effectiveness.
- Xenografts: Grafting material derived from bovine (cow) bone, which has a well-documented track record in dental applications.
- Alloplasts: Synthetic or manufactured materials that serve as a scaffold for new bone growth, eliminating the need for a donor source.
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The type of graft best suited to you depends on the location of the bone loss, the extent of the deficiency, and the intended restoration. We will discuss all your options in detail so you can make a confident, educated decision.