When planning for tooth extraction, one of the most important things you have to consider is how to replace the missing tooth. There are various restorative options available but dental implants are usually the most commonly chosen one. This is not surprising given the numerous advantages they provide, such as improved aesthetics, durability, functionality, comfort, and so on.

However, in case you are thinking about replacing the extracted tooth with an implant then you really need to plan it in advance. This is essential because sometimes a socket preservation bone graft may need to be done to prevent the loss of bone after the removal of the tooth.

What is a socket preservation bone graft and when you may need to have such a procedure? Keep reading to learn more. 

What is tooth socket preservation?

Tooth socket preservation, also known as socket grafting or alveolar ridge preservation, is an oral surgery that includes filling the empty socket left behind after wisdom tooth extraction. In order to perform it, the dentist may use a bone graft material from your own body or bone substitute material. The filling of the socket is usually done during your extraction appointment.

As its name implies, the socket preservation bone graft is intended to preserve the natural shape of the jawbone and prevent bone loss. This will help create a stable foundation so that a dental implant or other restoration can be placed successfully in the future. Socket or ridge preservation after tooth extraction will also help maintain the facial structures and contours.

When is socket preservation necessary?

Your dentist may recommend a socket preservation graft in case you are planning to replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant. The procedure will help to preserve the volume and density of the jawbone, making the placement of the artificial tooth easier. In addition, you may need socket preservation if the extracted tooth is in a visible area and you want to maintain the structure and contours of your face. 

Socket preservation graft can be beneficial in certain situations, however, it is not always necessary. The decision to perform this procedure depends on several factors, including the location and size of the extracted tooth, your oral health, and your future treatment plans.

Socket preservation bone graft may not be necessary if you do not have any future plans for dental implant surgery or if the extracted tooth is in a less visible area. Your dentist will assess your individual situation and make a recommendation based on your needs and goals.

What are the advantages of socket preservation?

Socket preservation procedure offers several benefits, including:

• Preventing a dry socket. A dry socket is a complication that can occur following tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket after the tooth removal becomes dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. The condition usually causes severe pain and can delay the healing process. A socket preservation graft can prevent the development of a dry socket. The bone graft material used in this procedure helps to fill and maintain the shape of the socket, which can promote proper healing and reduce the risk of the blood clot becoming dislodged or dissolved.
• Preserving the natural bone height and width. In this procedure, the dentist fills the empty socket left behind the removed tooth with bone graft material. This helps preserve the natural shape and structure of the jaw bone, preventing further bone loss. It also minimizes the need for more extensive bone grafting procedures in the future.
• Improving tooth replacement options. The socket preservation procedure will help create a stable foundation for a future dental implant. When the empty socket is filled with bone graft material, it will keep your bone dense and strong. This will make the implant placement process easier and increase the chances of successful outcomes. The procedure may also be beneficial for patients who are considering denture restoration.
• Promoting new bone formation. Filling the empty socket immediately after the removal of the tooth will stimulate the growth of a new bone and aid in its integration with the surrounding tissue.

Overall, socket preservation can help you improve the long-term health and stability of your jawbone and prepare it for a feature implant placement.

How is socket preservation done?

Socket preservation bone grafting is typically done immediately after tooth extraction. The procedure is relatively simple and involves the following steps:

• Extraction of the tooth. The first thing that the doctor will do is to remove the damaged or infected tooth. This can be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the complexity of the extraction.
• Cleaning and shaping of the empty socket. Once the tooth is removed, the provider will carefully clean and disinfect the extraction site in order to remove any debris or tissue. The socket is then shaped to ensure that it is ready to receive the bone graft.
• Filling of the socket with a bone graft material. After that, the dentist will place a bone graft material into the empty socket. This material will promote socket healing and help to maintain its shape.
• Placement of a barrier membrane. The dentist may also place a barrier over the bone graft, such as a collagen or resorbable membrane, in order to protect it. This technique is known as guided bone regeneration. In some cases, guided tissue regeneration can also be done if there has been a significant loss of soft tissues such as the gums and connective tissues due to periodontal disease or other factors.
• Suture closure. The socket may be closed with sutures to help protect the graft material and promote proper healing.
• Follow-up visits. The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the recovery process and ensure that the socket is healing properly.

It's important to note that the specific socket preservation technique used may differ depending on the patient's unique case, the type of bone graft material used, and the surgeon's preferences. The bone graft procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete and requires a few days of recovery time.

What material is used for socket preservation?

There are several techniques and types of graft materials that the dentist may use to preserve the bone after extraction. These include: 

• Autogenous (autografts) bone. This is bone which is taken from the patient's own body, usually from the chin or hip. Autografts have a low risk of rejection or disease transmission which is why they are widely used in implant dentistry.
• Allograft bone. These are also human bone grafts but they come from a donor source instead of the patient's body. They have been processed and sterilized to avoid any risks of disease transmission.
• Xenograft bone. These are animal tissue blank that has been processed and sterilized.
• Synthetic (alloplast) bone. These are artificially created materials which imitate the properties of natural bone.

The type of material used is usually determined by several factors, including the size and location of the extraction, the individual's needs, goals, and preferences, as well as the surgeon's preferences and experience.

How long does socket preservation take to heal?

On average, it can take about 3 to 6 months for the grafted bone to fully integrate with the surrounding tissue and for the socket to heal. However, this time can vary depending on factors such as the patient's overall health, the complexity of the surgery and the technique and material used.

In order to have a smoother and quicker recovery, it is important that you follow the surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully, including avoiding any activities that might put stress on the grafted area, such as heavy lifting or chewing on that side of the mouth. In addition, you may be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication to help manage any discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will also schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure that the socket is healing properly.

How much does socket preservation cost in Singapore?

The cost of a socket preservation bone graft procedure in Singapore can range from several hundred to several thousand Singapore dollars, with the exact cost depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some factors that may influence the price of the dental procedure include the type of bone graft material used, the complexity of the procedure, and the experience and reputation of the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure.

If you're thinking about getting a socket preservation bone graft in Singapore, it's best to consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon to discuss your specific needs and get a more accurate cost estimate.

The importance of socket preservation after tooth extraction

Socket or ridge preservation can be very beneficial for you if you plan on replacing missing teeth in the future. The procedure will help minimize bone loss which can occur as a result of tooth loss.

Bone resorption can happen quite quickly after you have your tooth removed. The jawbone around the extracted tooth can start to shrink or break down, without the stimulation from the tooth root. This is because the bone no longer receives the forces from biting and chewing that it used to. The amount of bone loss can vary, depending on factors such as the size and location of the extracted tooth and the patient's age. 

One of the most effective ways to avoid such a problem and preserve the natural bone width and height is to have a bone graft right after the extraction of your tooth. This procedure will help ensure that you have a sufficient amount of healthy bone which can sustain dental implant placement. As a result, the artificial tooth will be adequately supported, thereby increasing its success rate. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best bone graft material for socket preservation?

The best bone graft material for socket preservation will depend on your particular case and medical history as well as the surgeon's experience and preferences. In general, autogenous bone (that is taken from your own body) is considered the gold standard in bone grafting procedures. However, the availability and quality of autografts can vary from patient to patient. Your oral surgeon or dentist will discuss the best options for your specific needs and help you make an informed decision.

What is the success rate of socket preservation?

Socket or alveolar ridge preservation procedures have a success rate greater than 90% whereas the overall success rate for ungrafted implants is around 50-60%. Some factors that influence the outcomes include your age, overall health, type of extraction, type of bone graft material and surgical technique used. It is also important to find a dental professional who has the necessary training and experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery or periodontal treatments.

Can you have socket preservation with osteoporosis?

Yes, it is possible to have this procedure if you have osteoporosis. Nonetheless, in some cases, osteoporosis may lower the success rate of bone grafting, since this disease affects the quality and quantity of the jawbone remaining. Before undergoing a socket preservation procedure, you should discuss your medical history with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, including any conditions such as osteoporosis. The doctor can assess your specific situation and determine whether this dental procedure is a viable option for you. Alternative options or additional steps, such as the use of special bone graft materials or techniques, may be required in some cases to improve the outcomes of the procedure.

Do all dentists do socket preservation?

Not all dentists perform socket preservation and ridge augmentation procedures. These types of treatments are typically done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist, who are specialists in treating conditions affecting the gums and jawbone.

Dental bone loss also referred to as resorption, is a condition outlined by the loss of jawbone density. This usually occurs in the region around teeth or the root of a tooth. Jawbone loss is not an insignificant condition and it demands immediate dental care to prevent further complications and other health issues.

Bone loss around the jaw is more common than you might think. It's not a condition solely associated with age. There are many factors that lead to bone loss, such as poor oral and overall health, osteoporosis, etc. 

In the following guide, we will check out in greater detail what bone loss is, what causes it, how to prevent it and how dentists can help with the condition. 

What is bone loss in teeth? 

Good oral health is one of the pillars of sustaining overall long-term health. Did you know that our natural teeth stimulate bone growth and that chewing and biting preserve bone. And that is only possible when you maintain good oral health and keep your teeth in good shape. If you have missing or loose teeth, the bone in that area doesn't get the same stimulation level.

Over time, this can lead to the disintegration of the bone, which is a process referred to as bone resorption. Gum disease or periodontal disease are two more conditions that contribute to the issue. It can lead to bone loss due to teeth loss or bacteria gradually deteriorating the surrounding jawbone and periodontal ligaments connecting teeth to the bone. 

Poor dental bone health is problematic on its own, but it also opens the door to a host of other negative conditions. It can force some lifestyle changes because it makes eating and even speaking more difficult. In some cases, bone loss contributes to more wrinkles around the lips, which can make you look older. Perhaps the worst aspect is that bone loss is one of the conditions linked to great pain and discomfort in the 

What are the symptoms of bone loss? 

People suffering from bone loss usually experience a few warning signs in the teeth and mouth before the condition fully manifests itself. 

• Teeth become loose and shifty 
• Gums start bleeding 
• There is sharp sudden pain from time to time 
• Increase in tooth sensitivity 
• Bad breath 

The more of these symptoms an individual experiences, the better it is for them to consult their oral care practitioner. 

The most common causes of dental bone loss 

Doctors have identified what causes bone loss in individuals. Some of the causes are quite common and should be regarded with utmost care and attention. 

• Missing teeth - this is by far one of the most common causes of jawbone issues. Having all teeth in place stimulates the jawbone during the process of chewing. However, when even one tooth is missing, the jawbone beneath and above will start receding. At the same time, surrounding teeth get more pressure, which causes them to shift around. This increases the odds of developing gum disease and a host of other dental problems. 
• Gum disease - gum disease on its own is a leading cause of gingivitis and periodontitis. What these conditions essentially lead to is a loss of soft tissue around the teeth. Bacteria in the area eat away at the bone and the surrounding tissues that connect the tooth to it. Later on, the loss of other supportive structures in the affected area greatly increases the chance of losing a tooth. 
• Misaligned teeth - when teeth are misaligned, it leads to problems with chewing. Some parts of the mouth receive more pressure than others, and the stimulus to the bone is not equal. When that happens, healthy bones deteriorate over time and can result in the loss of teeth due to problems with the bone structure. 
• Lack of proper dental hygiene - good oral care is absolutely essential for preventing bone loss and other dental problems. If you don't brush your teeth often with fluoride toothpaste, you are at a higher risk of dental bone loss among other unpleasant conditions. 

Preventing dental bone loss - at home and with the aid of a dentist 

You can take some easy steps to prevent jawbone loss at home and with the aid of your dentist. 

Steps to reduce and slow down bone loss in teeth naturally

• Make some dietary adjustments - the very first thing you ought can do starting today is to evaluate what you eat. Diet impacts dental health in many ways. One obvious step in the right direction would be to get more calcium in your diet. A diet rich in calcium, for example including dairy products like cheese, milk and yoghurt can greatly increase bone density and boost your health. In case you are lactose intolerant, nuts and seeds like almonds, sesame, chia and poppy are great sources of calcium. Salmon and sardines can strengthen your bones as well. 
• Improve Vitamin D intake - Vitamin D is essential as it helps your body absorb calcium and other essential nutrients required for strong bones. If you believe you have Vitamin D deficiency, you should talk to your healthcare provider about what options there are to fix these discrepancies. 
• Maintain good oral hygiene - to help prevent any dental issues, you need to stay on top of dental hygiene. You will have healthy teeth if you brush and floss daily and visit your dentist every few months for a check-up. 
• Stretch your jaw muscles - there are some exercises you can do for your jaw, in order to strengthen the muscles in the area. Just sit comfortably and open your mouth as wide as you can without pain and pressure. Hold this position for about 5 breaths and then release your jaw. Repeat this 10 times and you have yourself a nice jaw exercise. 

How a dentist can help 

• Bone grafting - dental bone grafting is a treatment that works in cases where the bone has been lost entirely. It creates a new bone surface that is sufficient for a dental implant. This surgical procedure aims to replace the missing bone and help the jaw regenerate some bone tissue. A dentist will typically resort to bone grafting procedures along with implants for the effective treatment of individuals with periodontal disease. 
• Composite bonding - one of the effects of bone loss in teeth is that black triangles and holes show in the spaces of the affected teeth. Dentists use composite bonding to resolve this issue. It reshapes the teeth and the space between them, which has a notable aesthetic effect. 
• Ridge augmentation - in order to restore the ridge to its proper shape and height, ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure that the dentist can go for. 
• Replacement of missing teeth - because losing a tooth introduces such a high risk of jawbone problems, dentists often recommend replacing any missing teeth soon after that. Dental implants are the go-to solution for replacing missing teeth. They mimic the stimulation of the bone of existing teeth and make bone regeneration possible. The procedure itself usually includes a titanium post that is located below the gum line. The bone cells can reattach themselves there and begin the process of rebuilding bone mass. 
• Guided bone regeneration - a staple of implant dentistry, guided bone regeneration improves the growth of new bone around a missing tooth. The dentist needs to evaluate the area of your missing tooth to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. It is often times used in conjunction with dentures and implants, in order to ensure the best outcome. 
• Gingivitis treatment - the first stage of gum disease begins with gingivitis. That is the stage it is mostly reversible in and when professional dental aid can help. Removing the plaque in the gum line that is causing inflammation is the first order of business. For deep-seated plaque, the dentist can assign a professional cleaning treatment. This is a procedure that involves cleaning the root surfaces just below the gum line. With regular dental cleaning, bacteria will be prevented from getting stuck in the gumline and causing further trouble, which can otherwise lead to severe cases, like rotten teeth. 

Can bone loss in the jaw be reversed?

The good news is that you can stop bone loss and reverse the condition with the appropriate treatments. One of the most common dental techniques for the job is bone grafting. This treatment creates a new bone surface with the aid of dental implants. Bone grafting works with different materials, depending on your needs and requirements. 

How can I increase my jaw bone density?

There are several steps you can take in that regard. Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D is a good start. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat meat and dairy products to get all of the important nutrients. Stop smoking, as it can lead to various dental issues. Make an appointment with your dentist every six months or so for a regular checkup. Ensure that you maintain proper oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. 

Why am I losing bone in my jaw?

Losing a tooth is one of the most common reasons to lose bone in the jaw. Because teeth create even pressure in the mouth, losing one or more can lead to loss of bone in the area that is not getting stimulation. If a tooth is removed and not replaced, it can lead to bone loss over time and more serious complications, if left untreated. 

Can you regrow bone in your jaw?

Eating well is one of the best ways to regrow bone naturally. Calcium is essential for bone growth and getting an adequate intake of it should be a priority. You will find plenty of calcium content in dairy products, milk and leafy greens. Additionally, Vitamin D is another nutrient you should get plenty of. It comes with exposing your skin to sunlight, but if you have deficiencies, you should speak to your doctor about getting the necessary supplements.

In a previous post on our blog, you learned that tooth loss can lead to bone loss over time if not addressed. To fix that, you need a dental bone graft. This is a procedure that adds volume and density to the jaw bone to support dental implants. If you suffer from gum disease, a bone graft may also be needed. Getting a bone graft is considered a surgical treatment and it has an extended recovery.

This post will delve into what to expect after bone grafting for dental implants. The procedure is quite common since losing a tooth triggers bone loss in the gap. To ensure that the dental implant is held in place so you can use it in the years to come, sometimes this is the best way to go. Read on to find out everything about the recovery period.

Key Takeaways on Bone Graft Recovery Following Surgery  

• It takes about a week to recover from bone graft, whereas the incision will heal completely within a couple of weeks
• It’s normal to experience inflammation, swelling, and pain or discomfort after a bone graft; they should go away after a few days
• You should avoid hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, crunchy and sticky foods, as well as dairy products
• Stick with soft foods during the first days post-op
• Smoking is strongly discouraged regardless of the type of graft you're using
• In certain cases, bone grafts can fail, that’s why you need to follow the dentist’s instructions on aftercare religiously

What are the Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages?

The healing after a bone graft involves several steps: inflammation, revascularisation, osteogenesis, and remodelling. Your dental team will monitor the healing. The last stage is incorporation of the graft into the patient’s skeleton. These steps will happen at a different time in every person since healing is quite individual.

So, here is what to expect during your recovery. In the first few days, your swelling, pain, and discomfort will be at their highest. Feel free to take pain medication for as long as you need. As you move on to week 2, they will gradually begin to diminish, making you feel a lot better.

72 hours after surgery, it is not uncommon to see some redness and oozing in your saliva. This results from slight bleeding from the wound.

By week 3, you will be free of any symptoms being able to eat and drink what you want. But even though the initial healing will be over, your body still has work to do that is invisible to you.

Over the next few weeks what will happen is, the bone graft will stimulate enough bone growth around the treatment site. Graft particles may fall off in the process and feel like sand in your mouth. As new bone cells are formed, the graft will be gradually resorbed. In some people, the process is over at the fourth-month mark; for others, it takes 6 months to get there.

How to Speed up Bone Graft Healing Time for Dental Implant Surgery?

There are certain aftercare tips that can help you speed up the recovery process a little bit or, at the very least, ensure that you are healing well.

Once the graft is placed, you should keep the surgical site clean. It’s important to prevent an infection from happening. This means brushing your teeth regularly (do not apply pressure to the incision in your gums, though) and using mouthwash or a saline solution to disinfect the area of the bone graft. Poor oral hygiene is detrimental to any dental treatment you undertake.

The other thing you need to ensure is that your healing capacities are not inhibited by smoking or drinking alcohol. Do avoid these like the plague the first week or so.

What you eat also plays a role in your recovery. Choose healthy nutritious foods so that your body has enough fuel and nutrients to do its thing. Quality foods promote healing and cellular regeneration. They can also improve your oral health in the long term.

Further to this, be sure to take all medications as prescribed. And lastly, you should try to keep swelling down. When the surgical area is swollen, this can restrict blood flow. Without adequate blood flow, your wound will not heal as quickly as you wish.

For this reason, you want to apply ice packs to the treatment area in the first couple of days. Make sure to keep them on for short periods of time because prolonged exposure to cold can lead to poor circulation and damage to nearby nerves.

When Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction and Bone Graft?

What can I eat?

Until your body clears the local anaesthetic, general anaesthesia or oral sedation, you should go with liquid foods or not eat at all. Ice cream is a good option.

During your initial recovery, you should stick with soft foods like eggs and potatoes. Potatoes can be cooked in plenty of ways, giving you lots of variety so you can get through the rough stages of a bone graft healing time.

It is vital that you consume lots of protein after the surgery because it is essential for your healing. Not only does it help to keep infection at bay but it helps to repair damaged tissues. Plus, it keeps you full and satiated for longer.

The good news is that if you don’t feel like eating after your treatment, you can add protein powder to your meals, still maintaining your daily calorie and protein intake.

As you begin to feel better, you can reintroduce solid foods into your diet.

What not to eat?

• Crunchy foods like popcorn, crackers, and chips
• Sticky food such as toffee, marshmallows and caramel
• Hard, chewy foods like raw veggies, red meat, etc.
• Acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, and vinegar
• Spicy foods like salsa, curry, and chilli peppers
• Hot soups, anything hot (it may dislodge the blood clot that typically forms at the site of the incision)

When Can I Drink Alcohol After Bone Graft?

It is strongly recommended that you stay away from alcohol for at least 48 hours after the procedure. It reduces the number of white blood cells that are responsible for eating away at debris and bacteria during wound healing. Not to mention, it decreases the number of proteins in charge of closing a wound.

What can I drink?

Cold tea and coffee are fine but don’t drink hot beverages after the treatment. You can drink water obviously. Fresh juices are also considered safe. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids.

What not to drink?

Avoid dairy products as they can produce an inflammatory response in the mouth post-surgery. What is more, milk can cause nausea and vomiting in some people and you should avoid vomiting at all costs. Alcohol should also be avoided.

Dental Bone Graft Surgery Recovery Time

The majority of patients are curious about how long for a dental bone graft to heal. Nobody wants to feel out of their element for a long time.

Although it’s impossible to predict how fast your body will recover after a bone graft, full recovery is expected to ensue between three and nine months post-op, and in some cases - longer.

There are various factors affecting the healing process such as the scope of the procedure, the type of bone graft (allograft, alloplast, xenograft, and autograft ), your body’s healing capacities, and more.

If you're wondering how long it takes before you start to feel normal again, the answer is about a week or two. Meaning, you will resume your daily activities pretty soon after the oral surgery was performed.

Dental Bone Graft Recovery Swelling and Bruising

Since this is a surgical procedure, it cannot go without some swelling. So, how long does dental bone graft swelling last? It varies from one patient to the next but it is generally at its highest 2-3 days after surgery. There may be some residual swelling for another 3 days before it starts to resolve.

Although you can’t avoid swelling, there is something you can do about it. Applying ice packs around the treatment area can help reduce the amount of swelling you experience. Just give it some time to heal. 

Can Bone Grafts Fail?

Unfortunately, the bone graft procedure can be unsuccessful in some patients, especially those with certain medical conditions. Smokers also run a risk of not getting the most out of this treatment.

Here are some tell-tale signs your graft is not working:

• Lack of improvement in the volume of your jawbone (the bone that supports your teeth)
• Gum recession 
• Pus from the surgical site
• Swelling and pain that get worse after week 1

When Should I Contact My Oral Surgeon?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should call your dental professional right away and provide all the details they need. They will decide whether this is an emergency and ask you to visit their office for an evaluation of the situation.

You should also contact your dentist if you develop a fever of 101° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) or higher.

In addition to that, if there is anything that is bothering you during your recovery, feel free to get in touch with your team so they can intervene.

What are the Advantages of Dental Bone Grafts?

A bone graft is necessary for those patients with missing teeth, in areas where bone loss in their jaw has occurred.

The greatest advantage of bone grafts is that they stimulate bone growth, allowing your dental implants to bond with the jaw, a process called osseointegration. If you don’t have an adequate amount of bone in your jaw, i.e. enough to support the implant, the treatment may not be successful.

Additionally, bone grafts provide support for the surrounding teeth, preventing more bone deterioration and you from losing your pearly whites. As well as that, they give you a powerful bite function so that you can eat like you normally do.

The other benefit of a bone graft is that it can help restore your smile and thus enhance your self-confidence.

FAQ on Dental Bone Graft Procedure and Bone Loss

Human bone keeps changing over time. In fact, as you are reading this, your body is making new bone cells and removing old ones. When it comes to the bone that supports your teeth, this process can be either good or bad. For example, the adaptive response of the jaw enables orthodontists to align the teeth with braces. But in the event of losing a tooth during adulthood, the resulting changes in the bone can have serious consequences.

With tooth loss, the bone that used to surround the missing tooth begins to melt, or "resorb." You can also lose supporting bone when you have periodontal (gum) disease. If this goes out of hand, your facial features will sag and give you an older appearance. As well as this, it can make further treatment more complicated. 

Fortunately, with modern techniques, a bone graft can help reconstruct lost bone volume. This will benefit both your health and your appearance, as it strengthens your jaw, contributes to better tooth replacement, and enhances the support that gives your facial features.

So, without further ado, this post will dig into bone graft for a dental implant that adds bone structure and volume. As you continue down the paragraphs, you will learn how bone grafts help you preserve bone in your jaw so it can hold an implant.

Key Takeaways on Dental Bone Graft

• In many cases, tooth extraction leads to bone loss in jaw, in which case bone grafting may be necessary to guarantee the success of a dental implant
• Bone grafts replace the missing bone and support dental implants
• There are different types and treatment options available; the procedure can be done in a dentist's office
• It costs between S$4,000 and S$6,000 to get it going

What is a Bone Graft? How Does a Bone Graft Work and Help Your Teeth before Implant Procedure?

Bone grafting is a minor surgical procedure that takes bone from other parts of your body, or a foreign body, and puts it into your jaw, right where the missing tooth is. When teeth have been lost for a long time, this can cause bone loss. The goal is to add more support for a dental implant. It just makes the treatment more effective and ensures long-lasting results.

This is a surgical procedure that can usually be carried out in a dentist's office. An incision is made in the gum to get access to the bone beneath it, and then the bone graft material is added. Very often, that material is made of processed bone minerals. And over time, the body creates new jaw bone cells around them.

Bone graft for tooth implant requires local anaesthesia for the most part, although intravenous (IV) sedatives may also be necessary. Because a small incision is made in your gum tissue to access the targeted bone, you may experience some pain in the area after surgery. 

Then, over the next few months, your body will replace the graft with its own natural bone growth, thereby reversing the reduction in bone you've experienced. (The bone needs time to grow.)

Sinus Lift and Bone Graft | Bone Graft Types

There are different types of bone grafts to replace missing bone.

Socket Graft

This procedure may be performed right after tooth extraction in order to preserve the site, and is the simplest of all methods. When a healthy bone structure is added to the gap right away, it prevents existing bone loss. Another advantage is that the site heals within 4 months, allowing the dentist to start the dental implant placement. 

Block Bone Graft

This classic technique consists of obtaining bone tissue from the patient themselves, generally from other areas of the mouth. A block of bone is then created and screwed into the area of ​​bone loss using titanium screws.

Because scientific evidence has shown that these blocks are resorbed, losing the bone gain induced at first, this technique has evolved a lot.

Currently, instead of blocks, thin sheets that are 1 mm thick come into play. They are screwed away from the bone in the area to be regenerated. If the gap has an irregular shape, a softer material will be paired with the block so it can fit better the gap.

Sinus Lift Procedure

This technique can only be used in the upper posterior area when the lack of bone results from the maxillary sinus being very close to the oral cavity. It consists of lifting the Schneider membrane (a thin layer of epithelium) that lines the inside of the maxillary sinus and adding the bone material below said membrane. Over time that this will become the patient's bone in the upper jaw. 

This method can be done in two ways. The first one is indirect, or transcrestal (using the same hole through which the implant is later placed). And the second one is direct, or laterally (approaching the sinus laterally). The indirect approach is always carried out at the same time as the implant placement. 

On the other hand, with the direct technique, sometimes the implants can be placed simultaneously and sometimes it is necessary to wait a few months after the graft.

The decision of which way to go will depend on the amount of bone the patient already has and how much material is needed.

Dental / Tooth Bone Graft Cost in Singapore

The cost of a dental bone graft varies from S$4,000 to S$6,000 depending on the type and size required. It varies largely per case. Generally speaking, non-complex cases are less expensive than complex cases. You will know the final cost upfront because dentists provide free estimates.

Now, if sinus lifting is required as a bone graft is placed, it runs some S$1,000 to S$3,500. Therefore, this will increase your total treatment cost.

Where Do the Bone Grafts Come From? Materials

For a bone graft to happen, you need to find some bone tissue. There are different sources available.

Autologous graft

Also called 'autografts,' these are obtained from other parts of the patient’s body. They allow live cell transplants, preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. There is no immunological rejection, since the grafted material comes from the individual himself or herself. For this reason, these grafts have the highest success rate. 

Allografts

They may be taken from cadavers. Allografts make it possible to have an unlimited amount of bone. No other body parts of the patient need to be involved in the procedure. There is a risk - although minimal- of disease transmission. 

As far as advantages go, there are a couple worth mentioning. First, they are immediately available and offer different sizes, shapes, and adequate quantities. Second, they avoid donor site morbidity, and they can be stored for long periods of time. 

Heterologous grafts or xenografts

These are often extracted from animal products, such as algae, coral, or bovine.  They are considered risk-free and are easy to obtain. With their help, the dental professional can cause bone to grow in the area that suffered from loss of bone mass.

Alloplastic materials

Instead of being organic, these are manufactured in a lab to avoid possible complications. The most common synthetic substitutes are bioactive crystals, including beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite.

Do I Need a Bone Graft Procedure Before Dental Implant Surgery?

If you don’t have enough jawbone to provide structure and support to an implant, then you do need a graft. There are various reasons for that. The most common cause of bone loss is tooth loss. Other triggers include osteoporosis, gingivitis, traumatic facial injury, cancer, and periodontal disease.

But don’t just take out word for it. Listen to your dental professional. They will decide what you need after they examine your gums and the bone left. A special treatment plan will be made exclusively for you because each case is different.

What are the Risks of Getting a Bone Grafting Procedure?

• Nerve damage
• Blood clot
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Complications from sedation or general anaesthesia

Dental Implant Bone Graft Aftercare

You will be discouraged from performing any strenuous physical activity for at least 4-5 days after a bone graft. It may be better to sleep with an elevated head for a while. Make sure to put ice packs near the surgical site (but not directly on it). Do not keep them on longer than 5-10 minutes. Also, take all of your prescription medications as instructed. Your dentist will give special dental care advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bone Grafting