Not all Bone Grafts are the Same. Learn the Different Types and Which is Right for You

Bone grafting has the power to transform your dental health. But many patients in and around Chattanooga, Tennessee, aren’t sure how the process works or which type of bone graft is the right fit for their needs. The team at Cannon Oral Surgery is happy to shed some light on the different types of bone grafts, both in terms of the material itself and the placement of grafted tissue. 

Why might I need bone grafting?

There are several different reasons why you might need dental bone grafting. Some people simply develop less bone than others. Advanced dental decay or gum disease can cause bone tissue to deteriorate. Losing a tooth often leads to resorption, a process where your bone tissue wears away. 

Cancer and certain bone diseases can damage your jawbone tissue. Infection is yet another way that the bone tissue in your jaw can be lost or weakened. 

If you’re considering dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, having sufficient bone tissue to anchor the implants is a critical part of the process. Many people undergo grafting procedures to build up enough bone to securely hold dental implants in place. 

How does bone grafting work?

In the simplest terms, bone grafting works by placing bone tissue (or a synthetic material) next to areas of your jaw where additional bone density is needed. This tissue fuses with your natural bone tissue to create a stronger jaw. 

But there are quite a few options for the type of tissue used in bone grafting. 

Autogenous

This approach uses your own bone tissue, extracted from another part of your body. The tissue can be sourced from your jaw, chin, leg, or hip. This approach reduces the risk of rejection because the tissue comes from your own body. 

Allograft

This option uses human bone tissue sourced from a tissue donor bank. The donor could be living or deceased. Allograft bone grafting reduces the risk of problems associated with losing your own bone tissue from the extraction site. 

Xenograft

This bone grafting approach uses bone tissue from an animal donor bank. Bovine (cow) tissue and porcine (pig) tissue are common sources. 

Alloplast

An alloplast bone graft uses a synthetic material created in a lab. A naturally occurring mineral, is a commonly used option. 

What happens during bone grafting procedures?

When you come in for bone grafting surgery, an injection of local anesthetic numbs the treatment area. You can also opt for sedation during your procedure. Dr. Cannon will discuss the anesthesia options that best align with your needs. 

Once you’re numb and comfortable, Dr. Cannon creates an incision in your gums to access the underlying bone, then carefully moves your gum tissue away from the grafting site. Cleaning and disinfecting the area reduces the risk of infection. 

Next, Dr. Cannon adds the grafting material to the part of your natural bone structure that needs additional density. A membrane placed over the grafting site can protect it before Dr. Cannon repositions and secures your gum tissue with sutures.   

Next comes a waiting period while the grafting material fuses with your body’s bone tissue. When you return, Dr. Cannon assesses the grafting site to determine if enough tissue has formed to support your dental health goals. 

If you’d like to explore dental bone grafting in more detail, we’re happy to sit down with you to go over your options. Just give us a quick call or use the online booking tool to set up a visit at Cannon Oral Surgery.