What Is A Bone Graft? 

Bone grafting is the practice of healing bones – our bones are very versatile and are good at healing themselves, and are able to assimilate extra bone material easily. During a bone graft, extra bone is added to a place where a bone is thin or damaged. Your bones then heal, fusing with this extra material to thicken and strengthen the bone. 

What Is A Dental Bone Graft Used For? 

In dentistry, we primarily use bone grafting for dental implant procedures where the bone is too weak to support an implant, but we may also sometimes recommend a bone graft as part of other procedures. 

We might need to perform a dental bone graft if you have: 

• Severe tooth decay causing damage to the bone
• Damage to the bone from trauma (for example, suffering a blow to the face when playing sports) 
• Genetic factors such as weak/thin bones
• Bones that are too short to support implants (for example, between the jaw and the sinuses – this is called a sinus lift) 

What Is A Dental Bone Graft Made From? 

Dental bone grafts can be performed using a variety of materials. 

They can use: 

• Synthetic bone
• Animal bone
• Human bone (taken from a cadaver) 

We primarily use synthetic bone. 

At Synergy, we will never take bone from your own body to perform a dental bone graft. Most of our bone grafts are performed using a synthetic bone powder that your dentist will mix into a paste. 

If you have concerns over what material is going to be used for your bone graft, for example due to moral or religious beliefs, speak to your dentist during your initial treatment consultation to ensure it will not conflict with your beliefs.

What Are The Different Types Of Dental Bone Graft? 

There are multiple types of dental bone graft, and each one fulfills a different purpose. 

• Standard Dental Bone Graft – This is a simple technique which uses powdered bone to pack a hole in the jawbone when a tooth has been removed. This is commonly used during dental implant treatment to ensure the implant fits snugly into the jawbone, and will normally be performed at the same time as the implant placement. 
• Block Dental Bone Graft – An entire block of bone is attached to the existing bone during this technique. This is used when the bone is too thin to support an implant or when there is not enough height on the bone. This is normally placed around 6 months prior to the implant placement surgery to allow the bones time to heal. 
• CT Milled Dental Bone Graft – A CT milled dental bone graft is very similar to a block graft in terms of technique, however this type of dental bone graft is made according to the exact measurements of your bone from your CT scans. Each CT milled dental bone graft is made in Germany, designed to the specific needs of each individual patient. 
• Summers Osteotome Dental Bone Graft – This technique was developed by Dr. Robert Summers as a less invasive method of lifting the sinus floor. Sometimes, when placing implants on the upper jaw, the patient will not have enough space in the upper jawbone and there will be a risk of the dental implant going through the jawbone and into the sinus, making it necessary to raise the sinus floor using a bone graft. This technique makes treatment time faster and is less invasive, allowing dental implants to be placed in the same surgical step as the bone graft is performed. 
• Sinus Lift –  A sinus lift is performed when the sinus doesn’t allow enough depth of the jawbone to fit a dental implant. During this procedure, a dentist opens the sinus floor and packs bone graft material to create the desired depth of bone to support a dental implant. This requires advanced planning as it can take up to 9 months to heal before dental implants can be placed, though it is extremely rare that we need to perform this procedure! 

How Is A Dental Bone Graft Performed? 

Though there are several types of bone graft, all of them are performed in a similar way. Here’s how we perform a dental bone graft in 3 simple steps! 

Step 1 – Opening The Gum. 

Your procedure will be performed in a sterile environment under local anaesthetic or sedation, ensuring you can’t feel anything. The procedure won’t start until your dentist is confident your gums are numb. You’ll be awake for the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you feel pain, tell your dentist before the procedure begins. Once you are fully prepared for the surgery to start, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum, allowing access to the jawbone. 

Step 2 – Packing The Bone

Once your dentist is able to see your jawbone, they will pack the desired area with bone according to the type of dental bone graft you’re having. 

If you’re having a simple bone graft for dental implant treatment, we’ll usually fit your dental implants in this step too, combining both surgeries into one so you can enjoy your new smile faster! 

Step 3 – Closing The Surgical Site

Your dentist will close the site of the surgery with stitches. You may be given a prescription of antibiotics or a medicated mouthwash to promote healing and prevent infection. It is very important that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions to take care of yourself after your dental bone graft. 

Your dentist will arrange an appointment again in a few weeks to check your bone graft is healing well, and to remove your stitches. 

Whilst a bone graft may sound daunting, dental bone grafts are simple minor oral surgery procedures, and our dentists perform them regularly. They take a little bit of recovery time afterwards, but shouldn’t cause discomfort for more than a few days! 

Speak to your dentist about any worries or concerns about dental bone grafting, and they’ll be happy to help.  

Can I Go Home After A Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is considered a minor surgery. You will be able to go home after it and will be able to drive immediately afterwards unless you have been sedated. You might feel a bit sore once the anaesthetic wears off, so it’s a good idea to take the day off work or other activities to rest. 

How Do I Heal A Dental Bone Graft? 

A dental bone graft is only a minor oral surgery procedure, but it may take a few days to recover afterwards. 

In the first few hours, expect some light bleeding and mild discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. Within 24 hours, some bruising and swelling may occur, this should go down within a few days. 

We recommend you take a day off work following your dental bone graft, and avoid strenuous activity, though for more extensive bone grafting, your dentist may advise you to take longer off work in order to recover fully. 

You should also avoid hot drinks, as these can encourage bleeding. Do not drink through a straw, as this may place unnecessary pressure on the surgery site. Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow and require little chewing. 

Follow the aftercare instructions given by your dentist, including taking any medications, as these are vital for promoting healing and preventing infection. Tell your dentist if you have any allergies or concerns around medications, and they will prescribe a suitable alternative.