Bone graft applications are generally needed during implant treatment. As a result of tooth loss, the idle jaw bone begins to resorb. Bone loss can also occur due to gum disease. As a result of the resorption the bone, the implant to be inserted during the application operation cannot be placed in the ideal position as there is not enough bone. This prevents implantation, especially in patients with extensive bone loss.
Thanks to the bone graft, bone formation is supported in the edentulous area. Even if there is no complete bone loss during the implant treatment, the bone height and width may not be sufficient for the procedure. Height and width are increased with the help of grafts.
How to Obtain Bone Powder?
Bone grafts can be obtained as a result of different methods. The healthiest of these methods is autogenous bone graft. Bone is harvested from certain points in the patient’s body and applied to the required area in the mouth. These points are; While it can be inside the mouth, it can also be outside the mouth such as the hip bone. Since the bone tissue taken in the autogenous method contains living cells, new bone formation can be performed much more easily. There are also grafts obtained from cadavers and bovine. Tissues taken from animals specially bred for graft operation do not pose any problems in terms of hygiene and can be used with peace of mind. Grafts can also be obtained synthetically. The ideal method in bone formation processes is to mix 50% autogenous and cadaveric or animal grafts.
Why Is Bone Graft Needed?
Although the main reason for the need for implant bone graft, this application may need to be done for different reasons. Artificial graft can be used during operations for jawbone inflammations and cysts and during sinus lifting. The jawbone is extremely important for the smooth functioning of the teeth. Just as a tree without roots cannot hold onto the soil, the teeth may begin to fall out one by one due to bone loss. The opposite may also be the case, in other words, since the chewing function does not come into the existing jawbone in the areas of the lost teeth, resorbtion occurs over time.
How is Bone Graft Application Made?
During the bone graft surgery, the remaining spaces after the teeth are extracted or fall out are filled with bone graft. In order to facilitate the completion of the ossification process of the powder, a material called membrane is used if needed. The membrane acts as a barrier between the soft tissue and the graft and prevents the soft tissue from reaching the graft until ossification occurs.
Grafts in the operated area complete the ossification phase over time and the membrane dissolves over time. In patients undergoing sinus lifting operation, both bone graft treatment and implant can be performed at the same time. For this, the patient’s bone quality must be in a structure that can keep the implant stable. If there is no bone tissue to hold the implant stable, the implants should be inserted after a certain period of time after the grafting process. This period is usually a few months, but the most appropriate time for the implant is determined by the physician.
Is There Any Pain During Bone Graft Application?
Dental bone graft treatment is considered a comfortable procedure as it will be performed with local or general anesthesia. Your doctor will give you painkillers so that you can have a comfortable process after the procedure. Although slight bleeding, swelling and tenderness may occur after the operation, all symptoms disappear within a week.
What Should Be Considered After Bone Powder Application?
After applying bone powder to the gums, you can speed up the ossification process by paying attention to some details. After the operation, you should avoid chewing hard foods with the bone powder application area. At the same time, you should maintain your oral hygiene with tooth brushing, flossing and an interface brush. You should use the medicines prescribed by your doctor regularly. You should not overdo it in the use of mouthwash and follow the advice of your doctor. Smoking and alcohol use are among the factors that make recovery difficult. It would be the right decision for you to leave these habits during the recovery period.
