The most modern and efficient method of replacing missing teeth is getting dental implants.
Dental implants have numerous benefits. If a single tooth is missing, there is no need to file down the adjacent teeth. Additionally, it has a longer lifespan than traditional dentures, which must be replaced at least every 8 years. Just like natural teeth, they exert pressure on the jawbone, creating a feeling of natural chewing, and 99% of chewing function can be restored.
All in all, they improve the quality of life and comfort.
But what if there is not enough bone for dental implants? What does bone graft for dental implants mean and how much does it cost in Hungary?
What is bone graft for dental implants?
If you want dental implants, you may need bone graft if there is not enough to attach the dental implant to the jaw. You will need bone grafting in case the jawbone is too narrow (too thin), too short, or if it’s too weak. In such cases, the implantologist examines the possibility of bone grafting.
When do you need bone grafting?
The most common reason why patients may need bone grafting is a dental implant – if there is not enough bone for a dental implant, you will need this procedure.
If the bone stock is of insufficient quality, density or thickness, then it cannot accommodate the implant screw. In addition, even in the case of periodontal inflammation, bone grafting may be necessary.
In general, dental bone grafting is necessary when bone loss has occurred in the jaw, and the deformity can only be restored by increasing the volume of bone.
Jawbone loss and atrophy can stem from many causes:
- accidents
- diseases
- benign cystic lesions
- surgical removal of malignant tumours
- congenital abnormalities
- periodontal inflammation
- dental abscess
- tooth extraction
- advanced age
Rehabilitating the jaw can be important for many reasons:
- It is important to maintain the normal anatomical outline
- It is important to support existing teeth and adjacent teeth
- It is important to restore the aesthetics of the face and stop the visible signs of aging
- In order to get dental implants, you need enough jawbone volume.
The bone grafting procedure is recommended in the following cases:
- If you want to replace a missing tooth with an implant, but there is not enough jawbone available for this.
- After a tooth extraction, if the tooth extraction or the poor condition of the tooth resulted in serious bone loss.
- If a complete lack of teeth is accompanied by a significant lack of bone, then the jaw must first be rebuilt so that the dentist can prepare a stable tooth replacement for subsequent dental implants.
- With periodontological restorative surgery, the oral surgeon will do bone graft surgery due to gum atrophy.
What is the process of dental bone graft?
First, your dentist will take dental X-rays and 3d scans to check the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw, together with your overall bone loss.
At our dental clinic in Budapest, you will get a personalized treatment plan that perfectly meets your needs.
If there is not enough bone for dental implants, you will need bone grafting.
All bone grafting procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain during the surgery. Upon request it may be possible under general anaestesia if you need extensive dental care.
During the dental bone graft surgery, the surgeon will need to create a small incision in your gum and make the jawbone visible. The dentist then cleans and disinfects the area, adding some bone grafting material to repair your bone loss. Often, the bone graft is covered with a membrane to provide more protection.
What is used for bone graft material?
Bone graft is most often performed using material from your own body. Animal donors can also provide the necessary bone material.
The use of a bone graft material made from a mixture of these materials is also common.
These are some common options for bone graft material:
- Alloplast Bone Graft: a synthetic material, made from hydroxyapatite.
- Allograft Tissue: tissue donated by a healthy deceased person.
- Autograft Tissue: tissue is taken from one part of your body and transplanted into your jaw.
- Xenograft Tissue: the material comes from an animal source.
As mentioned before, membranes are often used to protect grafts. They prevent tissues from getting into the area of bone healing.
Membranes may be:
- Resorbable
- Non-resorbable
- Synthetic
- Or biologic
In the case of a sinus lift, it is not always necessary to use a membrane, since the bone graft material is held in place by the mucous membrane of the sinus itself.
What happens after your dental bone graft?
After the operation, you may experience pain, bruising, and swelling. Don’t worry, these are considered as typical side-effects.
The patient must take antibiotics, as well as pain relievers. We usually recommend 2-3 days of rest at home, and the cooling of the surgical area. Swelling after bone replacement may occur depending on the patient.
It is strictly forbidden to massage or press the area of bone graft. You should avoid performing very strenuous physical activity (intense sports, heavy physical work, etc.) for 2-3 weeks.
The healing time of the bone replacement is on average 4-9 months, after which you can get your dental implant.
What is a sinus lift surgery?
Ideally, there is enough bone between the sinus and the upper teeth to implant an artificial root.
However, the necessary amount of bone stock is often missing, which can be due to individual, anatomical reasons, but it can also occur because the bone has degraded after an older tooth extraction, which is a natural process.
However, in such cases, without bone replacement providing stability, the dental implant would break through the sinus mucosa and in the sinus, it would actually “hang in the air”, which may even pose health risks.
A sinus lift is therefore the solution. During the procedure, the mucous membrane of the sinus is raised to its proper position, and a bone substitute is placed underneath, which will provide a suitable basis for subsequent dental implants.
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Is bone grafting safe?
The answer is short and simple: yes.
Bone graft materials of animal origin used for the intervention are normally heated to hundreds of degrees so that the remaining and used crystalline material is completely free of pathogens and animal protein. This way, not only the possibility of transmission of various diseases is eliminated, but also the development of possible allergic reactions.
After the operation, the antibiotic taken by the patient and the weekly control also eliminate the possibility of bacterial infection.
Pain and swelling after bone replacement is a natural phenomenon; there is no need to be worried even if a larger bruise occurs on the skin after the bone replacement.
Bone grafting for dental implants – Costs
The cost of bone grafting depends on
- the size and complexity of the intervention,
- the quality of the bone graft material,
- the amount of bone graft material used.
Therefore, in each case, we carry out these interventions after a consultation and a personalized treatment plan.
Contact our dentists in Hungary, Budapest and get a quote.
Closing thoughts
Bone grafting as a dental surgical procedure may seem scary at first, but with the right preparations and planning, it is actually a routine operation.
If you would like to get your dental implants in Budapest, Hungary, contact our dental clinic to discuss the details. Our dental professionals will be at your assistance.
