Bone grafting is a process that allows dentists to rebuild or strengthen the upper and lower jaws. This treatment can address isolated bone loss or more widespread degeneration. There are many types of bone grafting materials that your dentist may use, including natural and synthetic options.
Bone grafting can help correct the effects of injuries or congenital defects, though this procedure is most often performed when a patient requires dental implants. This procedure can increase the chances of a successful dental implant treatment, as the implant can securely fuse with the jaw to help patients who would otherwise be unable to receive dental implants. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft procedure if your bone density is found to be too low for immediate dental implants.
To understand your options, you must first learn about autografts—bone taken from another area of the patient’s body. In most cases, autografts for dental procedures are taken from the jaw, hard palate or chin. If there is not enough bone available in these areas, the tissue graft can be taken from the hip or shinbone. Since the bone is native to the patient’s body, there is a low risk of graft rejection—one of the primary benefits of an autograft. However, an additional surgical site is required, which some may consider a drawback.
The Different Options:
Allografts
This treatment option involves using bone matter from deceased donors. These donors are thoroughly screened to ensure that no diseases or infections are present. The donor’s bone will undergo a series of testing to ensure biocompatibility with the recipient.
The goal is to minimize potential immune reactions or rejection of the donated tissue.
Xenografts
This treatment involves using materials taken from an animal source; in most cases, the animal is either a cow or a pig. The bone is carefully processed for this type of graft procedure, so that the remaining tissue is primarily composed of mineral elements.
The ease of obtaining large bone samples with the desired microstructure is one significant advantage of xenografts, improving compatibility at the intended surgical site.
Xenografts act as both a mechanical and biological placeholder in the jaw, which is why they work well to help rebuild bone structure. At first, the xenograft will add physical support at the surgical site, and your body will replace the xenograft with new bone over time.
Alloplastic Grafts
This type of graft is constructed using material not sourced from a human or animal donor. These grafts can be derived from natural sources like minerals or an element, synthetic substances or a combination of both. Many dentists prefer alloplastic grafts because they do not require tissue harvested from another source.
Alloplastic grafts can be made of hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and tricalcium phosphate.
Hydroxyapatite is the most commonly used because of its strength and durability. Additionally, hydroxyapatite will integrate well with the bone, and a large percentage of human bone is composed of a form of hydroxyapatite. Fewer dentists use calcium carbonate; this material tends to reabsorb quickly, making the bone susceptible to breakdown.
Ceramic is a frequently used component of alloplastic grafts—it is inorganic, non-metallic and composed of one or more elements. Ceramics are solid and durable, able to withstand high temperatures while integrating well with existing bone. Due to these properties, ceramics are excellent for promoting the growth of new bone tissue. Bioglass is a similar material to ceramic, seamlessly bonding to the bone. It is available in different malleable forms like pastes or putties, making it ideal to shape into a jawbone socket.
Polymers are another option dentists may use. These molecules are composed of many repeating, smaller units that occur naturally and can be synthetic. Some dentists will use a polymer-based alloplastic graft because it will resorb entirely into the body over time.
Different types of alloplastic bone grafting materials can be combined to form desirable characteristics, due to its growth factors made using recombinant DNA technology . It is these growth factors that serve to facilitate new bone growth.
Conclusion
Do you think bone grafting can help improve your smile? Our team here at Maxillovendome can provide more information regarding an alloplastic graft and why this may be the right option for you. A bone graft can provide patients with a strong foundation that can help protect their oral health. We will discuss your dental goals and needs to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
A range of oral health circumstances may require a bone graft. This treatment is especially beneficial for those who have suffered bone loss in their jaw. Oral Surgeons construct alloplastic grafts out of calcium sodium phosphosilicate or calcium phosphate for patients who have lost jawbone density due to tooth loss or gum periodontitis. Bone grafts can restore total jawbone density and function, enabling patients to receive a long-lasting tooth replacement like dental implants.
If you don’t have enough jaw bone in the area where the dental implant will be placed, we may recommend a bone graft. An alloplastic graft is the most frequently used type of bone graft, as the material is biocompatible with the patient’s natural bone. It is non-inflammatory and non-carcinogenic, making it a safe treatment option. Alloplastic grafts tend to produce favorable results. We will provide comprehensive, compassionate guidance to ensure you are comfortable with your treatment.
If you are looking for a treatment involving Alloplast in Montreal, contact us today . We’ll consult with you to discuss alloplastic grafts as a treatment option for correcting your smile.
