Jawbones remain healthy thanks to constant movement and stress during chewing. Therefore, the absence of one or several teeth, without immediate implantation, leads to gradual deterioration and resorption of bone in the patient’s jaw. Even if a tooth is missing for only a year, about 25% of the bone tissue is lost at that site. There are other reasons for bone loss, but they are less common. These include improper teeth alignment, gum disease, various infections, and tumors.
If a patient lacks sufficient bone tissue in the jaw for dental implant installation, there is a need to “create” bone in this area. This is because too thin or soft bone mass will not be able to reliably hold the implant, significantly reducing the likelihood of its successful integration.
The procedure of restoring or increasing bone is also called augmentation and is very common in dentistry today and at the same time, one of the most complex. Apart from preparing for implantation, bone tissue augmentation is sometimes also necessary during periodontal procedures around natural teeth.
Autogenous, Artificial, or Donor Bone?
For bone grafting, a source of bone tissue is needed to compensate for its deficiency in the respective area. The best option is the patient’s own bone (autogenous bone), which can be taken from other areas of the oral cavity. Usually, this is the chin area or the back part of the lower jaw. Sometimes, bone is taken from areas outside the oral cavity, such as the hip. In this case, the operation is carried out in the hospital by an orthopedic surgeon. Then, the bone is transferred to the dentist, who performs the implantation procedure in the necessary place in the mouth.
The use of one’s own bone has its advantages, as it is “native” material, and its integration takes less time. However, this method is more traumatic for the patient, who undergoes two surgical interventions at once. Therefore, doctors sometimes use donor bone or bone from artificial materials. Accordingly, recovery, in such scenarios, takes more time. Besides, donor bone is quite expensive.
To separate soft tissues of the mouth, which grow faster than bone, the bone graft site is covered with a special membrane and sutured. This procedure is known as guided bone regeneration.
On average, the integration period of bone tissue takes from 3 to 12 months, depending on the material. Of course, this significantly extends the time needed for implantation, but greatly increases the chances of its successful outcome.
How to Prepare for Augmentation?
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before intravenous sedation (intravenous anesthesia).
- Please arrange for someone to stay with you at the clinic during the augmentation procedure and to drive you home after the operation is completed.
- If you usually wear contact lenses, it is better to wear glasses. It is also advisable to wear a T-shirt or shirt with short sleeves.
If you have any questions regarding dental bone restoration – consult with the professionals at Yarema Dental in Kyiv. We are happy to share our knowledge and years of experience and will develop an individual treatment plan for you.