Bone Regeneration
Restore and strengthen your jaw
Achieve a stronger foundation for your dental implants and long-term oral health
Bone regeneration
Bone regeneration, also known as bone grafting, is a procedure designed to enhance the stability and strength of the jawbone, enabling it to provide a solid foundation for a dental implant. This treatment is typically recommended when the jawbone lacks the necessary density or volume to support an implant securely.
Dental bone loss
Dental bone loss is a condition where the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth shrinks due to disease or infection. This can cause undesirable consequences such as the teeth becoming loose, moving, and spreading out.
Can bone regeneration be effective in treating bone loss?
In certain cases, bone regeneration treatment can address bone loss. Dental bone regeneration encourages the development of fresh bone tissue in regions where bone has been lost or damaged. It promotes the regrowth of bone and restores the supporting structures that are essential for maintaining good dental health.
What are the causes of dental bone loss?
The main cause of dental bone loss is periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and structures that support the teeth. Other causes of dental bone loss include:
- Chronic gum disease
- Loss of a tooth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking cigarettes
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Systemic conditions
- Poor nutrition
Prevent dental bone loss with regular checkups
In the initial stages, dental bone loss is usually painless, proving the importance of regular dental check-ups. Early detection of bone loss and periodontal disease can be achieved through X-rays and comprehensive examinations, making it easier to address the condition. Untreated dental bone loss can result in tooth mobility, tooth loss, changes in bite alignment, and other dental problems.
What types of bone grafts may be necessary?
Socket Preservation
Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure typically performed following a tooth extraction. After a tooth is extracted, the socket that previously held the tooth may experience bone resorption (melting away). Bone resorption is the process in which bone tissue is broken down and absorbed into the body, resulting in bone loss.
Socket preservation involves placing bone grafting material into the empty socket immediately after the tooth extraction. Maintaining bone volume and preserving the natural shape of the socket can facilitate future dental implant placement.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is performed in the upper jaw when there is insufficient bone height for implant placement in the molar or premolar area. The procedure involves gently lifting the sinus membrane and inserting bone grafting material to stimulate new bone growth, providing a stable base for dental implants.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is a procedure which addresses inadequate width or height of the jawbone ridge for implant support.
This involves placing bone grafting material onto the ridge to improve its dimensions, creating a stronger foundation for implant placement. Ridge augmentation may become necessary either after tooth (or multiple teeth) extraction or as a result of natural bone resorption that occurs over time.
Periodontal Bone Grafting
Periodontal bone grafting is a procedure that aims to restore bone tissue that has been lost as a result of severe periodontal disease. The goal is to repair and rejuvenate the tissues supporting the teeth, such as the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament.
Various techniques, including guided tissue regeneration, can be used in conjunction with bone grafting materials to stimulate fresh bone growth and enhance the attachment of periodontal tissue.
Material options for dental bone grafting
The procedure for bone regeneration may vary depending on your specific case and the recommendation from your dentist. There are various techniques used for bone grafting, which include:
Autograft: This procedure involves taking bone material from a different area of the patient’s body, such as the hip or chin, and transplanting it to the jawbone to promote the growth of new bone tissue. Autografts may be considered the most reliable option because they provide live bone cells, resulting in the highest success rate.
Xenograft: This process entails utilising bone material obtained from animal sources, commonly bovine (cow) or porcine (pig). Like allografts, xenografts act as a framework for developing new bone and eventually give way to the patient’s own bone.
Allograft: This approach involves acquiring bone material from a human donor (cadaver) and processing it to eliminate cells, resulting in a scaffold-like structure. The allograft acts as a framework for the growth of new bone, and as time passes, the patient’s own bone gradually replaces the bone material.
Alloplast: Hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate are examples of synthetic materials that can be used to facilitate bone regeneration. These materials are biocompatible and provide a framework for the growth of new bone tissue.
How does dental bone grafting work?
In the bone regeneration procedure, the deficient area of the jawbone is filled with the selected grafting material. As time passes, the graft material promotes the growth of fresh bone cells, which then integrate with the patient’s natural bone. It is typical for this process to take several months to ensure sufficient bone regeneration before the placement of a dental implant.
Enhancing dental implant success
Bone regeneration and grafting serve the purpose of enhancing the long-term success and stability of a dental implant. Improving the quality and quantity of bone in the jaw increases the likelihood of successful osseointegration (the implant fusing with the surrounding bone). The outcome for the patient is both functional and aesthetically pleasing when the implant securely supports a prosthetic tooth or restoration.
Discover whether bone regeneration is a viable option for you.
Bone regeneration can be a viable option for you if:
- You have sufficient healthy bone and gum tissue around the graft site.
- You have no medical conditions that may affect your healing or increase your risk of infection or bleeding.
- You are committed to following your dentist’s postoperative guidelines.
You should consult your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for bone regeneration. Your dentist can also give you a deeper understanding of the benefits and risks.
Dental Crafted recognises the significance of dental bone regeneration in achieving a confident smile. We are committed to providing quality dental implant and bone regeneration options tailored to your dental needs.
For a comprehensive consultation, call us on 0423 687 331.