Everything You Need to Know About Bone Graft Treatment

Bone grafting is the use of biomaterials to compensate for jawbone deficiency, increase bone density, or stimulate new bone formation. It's most often performed to build a solid foundation before implant placement.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone no longer receives chewing pressure and begins to erode quickly. Bone grafting becomes necessary when there isn't enough bone volume for an implant, to prevent bone collapse after extraction, to repair bone lost to advanced gum disease, and during sinus lifting, which creates space for implants in the upper jaw.

Four main types of grafts are used: autogenous grafts taken from the patient's own bone, which have the highest success rate; allografts, sterilized bone sourced from another person; xenografts, commonly used bovine-derived material; and synthetic grafts produced in a lab.

The procedure unfolds in three stages: first, a 3D jaw CT scan (CBCT) maps the bone structure with millimeter precision; then, under local anesthesia, the gum is opened, the bone graft material is placed, and a protective membrane is applied if needed. The fusion of the graft with the body's own bone (osseointegration) typically takes three to six months.

After the procedure, patients are advised not to touch the area, to eat only warm, soft foods for the first 24 hours, to avoid smoking and alcohol, and to use special mouthwashes; brushing the area should be avoided on the first day.

Because grafts are biocompatible, there's no tissue rejection like in organ transplants; mild swelling and bruising are normal and can be minimized with cold compresses during the first 24 hours.