What is a Dental Bone Graft?

A bone graft is the process of restoring the bone mass of the jaw. This procedure is used when there is insufficient bone structure in a patient's jaw.

There may be several reasons for insufficient bone structure, which includes the loss of a tooth due to an injury, a tooth extraction or an oral disease. When you lose a tooth the jaw bone at that position can begin to slowly disintegrate. This can cause damage to the jaw bone.

How is a dental bone graft done?

There are many ways a bone graft can be done. A common procedure would include removing a part of the bone from the back of your jaw, or your hip and then 'grafting' it or attaching it to your jaw. This procedure is called 'autograft'.

Your dentist could also suggest a bone graft using a synthetic material such as Bioglass. This is done in cases where it may not be possible to use bone from your own body.

How do I know if I need a bone graft?

For a successful dental implant you will need a strong jaw bone so your dentist can fix the implant securely in place. In this case your dentist may prescribe a bone graft.

Bone grafts are also done to fix a flawed jaw which may have been caused due to an accident. Sometimes a defective jaw can be the result of a disease or a birth defect. In some cases you may need a bone graft if you've lost bone in your jaw due to a gum disease.