Bone augmentation is a common procedure in implant dentistry typically employed when there is not enough natural bone in the jaw to securely hold an implant.
When performed properly, bone augmentation can create a stable foundation for the implant to function properly and last for many years. This blog post explains bone augmentation and its role in implant dentistry. Let’s get started.
What is Bone Augmentation?
Bone augmentation is a surgical procedure used to increase the amount of bone in the jaw to support dental implants. This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
Autografting
Autografting is when a piece of bone is taken from one area of the patient’s body (such as the hip) and transplanted to the area where bone augmentation is needed.
Allografting
Allografting is when a piece of bone is taken from a donor and transplanted into the patient.
Xenografting
Xenografting is when a piece of bone from an animal is transplanted into the patient.
Alloplasty
Alloplasty is when a synthetic bone substitute is used to augment the bone.
Guided None Regeneration
Guided bone regenerationis a procedure in which a membrane is placed over the area where the bone is missing, encouraging bone-forming cells to grow naturally.
How Bone Augmentation is Used in Implant Dentistry
Once the required bone is obtained, it is placed in the jaw and secured with screws or plates. The newly added bone is then allowed to heal for several months. The healing process can take several months to complete. The patient has to follow a strict oral hygiene regimen to reduce the risk of infection during this time. Once the bone has fully healed and is strong enough to support an implant, the implant can be placed.
Bone augmentation is a crucial step in implant dentistry that allows for the successful placement of dental implants in patients with inadequate natural bone. It is a safe and effective procedure that can improve the patient’s oral health and overall quality of life.
When Do You Need Bone Augmentation for Implant Dentistry?
As stated earlier, bone augmentation is needed when there is not enough natural bone present in the jaw. Specific cases can include:
- Bone loss due to periodontal disease
- Bone loss due to tooth loss
- Congenital or developmental conditions
- Trauma or injury
- Previous extractions
A dentist can perform a thorough examination and view an X-ray of the patient’s jaw to determine the amount and quality of bone present and decide whether or not bone augmentation is needed.
