What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that allows our team to address loss of bone in the jaw, ultimately providing more density and strength to the jaw. Depending on the patient, their medical history, and their preferences, the bone material from the graft can be taken from elsewhere in the patient’s body, a tissue bank, or can be created synthetically. Modern medicine has allowed us to refine this technique, and with the use of a bone graft, your natural bone can grow and develop, providing additional support.

Who Is a Candidate for a Bone Graft?

Unfortunately, not everyone can be an ideal candidate for a bone graft procedure. Typically, candidates are people who have either experienced bone loss due to teeth decay or advanced periodontal disease. It’s also a good option–and is often recommended–for patients who are planning to get dental implants in place of their natural teeth. To undergo this procedure, patients should generally be in good health and should not have underlying conditions that might complicate the surgery or healing process. We’ll go over your relevant medical history during your consultation to make sure that a bone graft procedure is a good option for you.

What to Expect During a Bone Graft Procedure

Before the day of the procedure, we’ll go over a plan with you on how to prepare. Depending on the anesthesia method you’ll be receiving, you should expect to refrain from eating or drinking for a set number of hours before the surgery. You might need to adjust or briefly stop taking certain medications, especially ones that prevent proper blood clotting. You should also plan to ask someone to drive you to and from the procedure and to make sure you’re comfortable when you get home.

Once you’ve been given anesthesia, we’ll start the procedure. The target area will be cleaned thoroughly, and we’ll make a precise cut in the gum. We’ll place the new material in its desired location, usually between segments of bone that have been disconnected due to bone loss. The graft will be secured in place, and the incision will be closed up. After this, the procedure is complete!

Sedation

Dr. Eidson offers a wide variety of sedation techniques including local anesthesia (numbing injections), laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and IV sedation.  Most patients are candidates for sedation.  At your consultation appointment, we will review your medical history and medications to discuss the safest and most comfortable option for your specific needs.

Bone Graft Procedure Aftercare

We’ll place gauze in the area to make sure that the blood can clot properly. We’ll give you detailed instructions on when and how to change out the gauze, and you might be given an antibiotic to make sure that infection doesn’t occur after the procedure. It’s normal for patients to feel some pain for a week or more after the procedure, but this can typically be managed at home using ice packs. You might need to limit yourself to eating softer food for a few days following the procedure, and we’ll also give you instructions on when you can resume normal levels of activity. If you’re receiving implants, it may take several months after the bone graft procedure for your jaw to be dense enough to withstand the implants.

Schedule a Consultation

At TruForm Surgery, our mission is to work with you to provide you top-notch care in a safe, professional environment. Bone loss is an incredibly common issue, and it’s something we help patients with every day. If you’re interested in learning more about bone grafts and jumpstarting your journey toward strong dental health, contact us today at our office in Brighton, MI.