Bone Grafting in London

A bone graft us a surgical procedure that is used to fix problems with bones. Bone grafting is beneficial in fixing bones that are damaged.

Research has shown the benefits of bone grafting in implant treatment and the success rates are very high. Very occasionally your own bone can also be used, but this has been superseded by bone substitute materials. These are less invasive and the success rates for bone substitute materials are very high.

Your dentist will discuss which type of bone graft is required before any treatment commences.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure where the natural bone is artificially built up and strengthened. Using either natural bone or a synthetic substitute, replacement bone granules or blocks are grafted directly onto the jawline.

When left over time, this material then fuses or bonds with the existing bone. By this method, the jaw line is reinforced and strengthened, allowing implants to be held securely in place.

When a dental implant is inserted into the mouth, the metal screw is fixed directly into the bone of the jaw before the crown or cap is placed on top. In some cases, the jaw is not sufficient to hold the implant screw. This can be due to a number of factors, such as severe gum disease or old age. In these cases, a bone graft is often required to build up the natural jaw bone and give it the strength required to hold the implant securely in place.

Bone grafting procedures are performed under anaesthetic. If your graft uses your own natural bone, you may require a procedure in hospital to remove it as well.

During a bone graft:

• The underlying bone is exposed by cutting and lifting away the gum, your dentist can then assess the bone grafting necessary.
• The bone is then either removed from your hip (if using natural bone), a donor source or is created by a technician from synthetic material.
• The graft is then fixed in place under the gum on the existing jaw bone. The graft may be held in place using material such as a collagen membrane.
• The area is then sutured closed by the dentist
• Over time, natural bone will grow around and fuse with the new grafted bone, providing a stable foundation for the implant.

Since the process required making an incision in the gum, you may well experience some pain and bruising in the immediate area. You may also feel pain and discomfort in your hip, if the grafting material was taken from there.

Swelling around the treated area is also common and should subside after a couple of weeks.

There is a risk of infection. Our materials and procedures are designed to minimise this risk and we will advise you on the best ways to avoid it.

Bone grafts are usually an outpatient procedure and patients are sedated throughout the entire process. Even after the treatment has been completed you shouldn’t feel any pain as the graft heels.

You can prevent bone loss by giving the jawbone a replacement tooth with a root that will be able to exert the same or similar amount of pressure on it as a natural tooth would.

You will most likely be required to fast before your surgery. This is usually done in order to prevent any complications while you are under anaesthesia. Your doctor will give you a complete set of instructions prior to your surgery. It is essential that you follow these instructions.

Yes, you will be put under local anaesthetic before your treatment begins.