Continue reading for more information about bone grafting and why it has been recommended for you following your extraction or implant procedure.
Types of Bone Graft
There are various different types of bone graft. The type of bone that is used is dependent on both the preference of your dentist or oral surgeon, as well as your personal health history and treatment prognosis. Below are some of the most commonly-used grafting options for oral use:
- Xenograft: Bone that is taken from an animal source. In most cases, the bone used is bovine(cow). Xenograft is commonly used and is favored due to its availability, the fact that it is not taken from human bone, and its general success in treatment use. In cases where the patient may have a weakened immune system, xenografting may not be an option, as it poses a low risk of disease transmission.
- Autograft: Bone that is taken from one part of your body and used to repair another. Autografting is favored due to the fact that it poses no risk for disease transmission, its success in treatment, and its ability to potentially heal defects in the bone all on its own. For some patients with bone diseases, autografting may not be an option.
- Allograft: Bone that is taken from a cadaver that has been donated for medical use. Allografting has proven to be successful, and is favored as it can potentially heal defects in bone on its own, and can potentially merge with the patient’s bone over time.
- Synthetic: Synthetic bone graft material. This method is quickly becoming favorable as it is cost-effective, easily accessible and poses no risk of disease transmission.
Why Do I Need Bone Grafting?
If your dentist or oral surgeon has informed you that you need bone grafting following your procedure, it could be due to any of the following reasons:
- The extraction site does not contain enough bone after the extraction of the tooth; the bone graft will allow for regeneration. In the case where an implant will be placed following the extraction of a tooth, the bone graft will be placed in the extraction site, and following a healing period to allow the graft to fuse to the patient’s natural bone, the implant will be placed.
- There are fractures in the bone that will likely not heal well on their own following the procedure; the bone graft will fuse and heal the fractures in the bone.
- The bone graft will allow the bone around the implant that has been placed to heal correctly and completely.
Modern bone grafting has proven itself to be successful in most clinical cases. The information you learned here will help you have a better understanding of why it has been recommended for you. Speak with your trusted dental professional at Willow Glen Dental Specialists (WGDS) to determine what type of bone grafting material they recommend for you.
