Dental Bone Grafting: A Patient Guide

What is dental bone grafting?

Bone grafting adds bone material to a part of the jaw where bone has been lost. The graft acts as a framework, and over time your own bone grows into it. This can create a firmer base for a dental implant or help keep the shape of the jaw.

Why might it be needed?

Bone can be lost because of gum disease, tooth loss, injury or a condition present from birth. When a tooth is lost, the bone where it sat can shrink over time.

Types of graft material

Smiles at Southgate lists four types:

• Autograft. Bone taken from another area of your own body.
• Allograft. Donor bone from a tissue bank that has been processed and sterilised.
• Xenograft. Bone material from an animal source, often bovine.
• Synthetic. A lab-made bone substitute.

Your dentist will explain which suits your case.

What are the treatment steps?

• Consultation and imaging. Your dentist checks the amount of bone with X-rays or scans.
• Procedure. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and the graft is placed.
• Healing. Initial healing takes a few weeks. The graft needs several months to combine with your bone.
• Implant placement. Once the bone is ready, an implant can be placed.

Recovery

Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising are common for a few days. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions and advise on pain relief.

Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks, such as infection or the graft not taking. Your dentist will review these with you.

Cost and insurance

Coverage varies by plan. When grafting prepares for implants or treats gum disease, some insurers may cover part of it. Ask the clinic to help you understand your benefits.

Next step

To talk about bone grafting, book an appointment or read about our bone grafting service in Edmonton.