Bone Graft

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a treatment procedure performed to compensate for bone loss in the jaw following tooth loss. Over time, the jawbone in the area where the tooth root is missing becomes thinner, resulting in insufficient bone support for implant placement. At this point, bone grafting comes into play, where bone is added using material either taken from the body or synthetic materials to regenerate the lost bone tissue. This procedure creates a solid foundation necessary for a dental implant.

Bone grafting is typically preferred for patients who have experienced severe bone loss. A sufficient amount of bone tissue is required for a successful dental implant procedure, and missing bone tissue is therefore supported with a graft. The treatment process is carefully planned, and proper conditions are established to ensure the implant integrates healthily.

When Is a Bone Graft Necessary?

Bone grafting is usually performed when the volume of the jawbone is insufficient. After tooth extraction, the jawbone may shrink or become thinner, reducing the amount of supporting bone necessary for implant placement. In addition, bone loss due to gum disease or trauma can also necessitate this treatment. In such cases, bone grafting is performed to restore the missing bone tissue and prepare a suitable foundation for the implant.

For implant treatment to be successful, the implant must properly fuse with the jawbone. If there is not enough bone tissue, the implant may not remain stable in the placed area, and the treatment may fail. Bone grafting prevents such complications by allowing the implant to integrate with the jawbone in a healthy way.

Advantages of Bone Graft Treatment

One of the greatest advantages of bone graft treatment is that it enables implant therapy. Without a bone graft, dental implant treatment often becomes impossible for patients with missing bone tissue. However, thanks to this treatment method, the jawbone is sufficiently reinforced, and the necessary conditions for implant placement are established. This gives patients the opportunity to regain their lost teeth.

Additionally, bone graft treatment allows dental prostheses to be more stable and long-lasting. In patients with weak bone structure, prostheses may shift over time or lose their durability. Bone grafting prevents these problems and ensures a more comfortable treatment process for the patient.

Types of Bone Grafts

• Autograft: A type of graft that uses bone tissue taken from the patient's own body. Bone is typically harvested from areas such as the jaw, hip, or ribs. Since the patient’s own tissue is used, there are no biological compatibility issues.
• Allograft: Uses bone tissue taken from another person. Donor bones are processed through special procedures before being applied to the patient. Biological compatibility is achieved, although healing may not be as rapid as with autografts.
• Synthetic Graft: Involves the use of artificial bone materials produced in a laboratory environment. These biocompatible materials stimulate bone formation in the body.