Dental Bone Graft FAQs
Dental bone grafts are a common procedure used to restore or augment bone in the jaw, providing a solid foundation for dental implants or other dental treatments.
Whether you’ve been told you need a bone graft or feel you may need one, you likely have several questions about the process, including the cost involved.
At Dental Health Care of Woburn, we’ve taken some time to compile and answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand the procedure.
What is a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that involves taking bone material from another source, like your own body, a donor, or a synthetic substitute, and placing it in the jawbone to encourage new bone growth.
The purpose of a dental bone graft is to strengthen the jawbone, enhance its density, and provide a stable foundation for dental implants or other dental prosthetics.
How does a bone graft work?
Our Woburn dentist can determine if a bone graft is necessary before implant placement and provide the treatment you need to enhance the chances of a successful dental implant surgery.
If we determine you need one, our dentist will create an incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone.
After that, our doctor will carefully apply bone graft material to the area that needs more bone support. Depending on your particular circumstance, it could take one of several shapes, like a block.
Over time, the graft material serves as a scaffold for new bone cells to grow and merge with the existing bone, ultimately replacing the graft with your natural bone.
Why might I need a dental bone graft?
You may need a dental bone graft if you have experienced bone loss in your jaw from periodontal disease, tooth extraction, trauma, or other factors and desire dental implants.
Dental implants require a certain amount of bone density and volume to ensure successful integration and long-term stability. And a bone graft will help regenerate or supplement the bone in areas where it has been lost or is inadequate.
What are the different types of dental bone grafts?
There are several types of dental bone grafts, including:
- Autografts
- Allografts
- Xenografts
- Synthetic grafts.
Autografts use bone from your body, taken from a place like the chin or hip. This dental bone graft is the gold standard since it carries the least risk of failure.
Allografts utilize bone from a human donor, while xenografts use bone from an animal source.
Synthetic grafts consist of man-made materials that mimic the properties of natural bone.
How long does it take for a dental bone graft to heal?
The healing time for a dental bone graft can vary depending on the extent of the graft and individual factors. In general, it can take the graft several months to integrate with your existing bone and create a stable foundation for dental implants.
During this period, your dentist will closely monitor the healing process to ensure proper bone regeneration.
What is the cost of a dental bone graft?
Various factors impact the cost of a dental bone graft, including the type of graft material used, the extent of the procedure, and your location. On average, a dental bone graft can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
The cost may also include additional expenses, such as:
- Consultation fees
- Imaging
- Anesthesia
- Follow-up visits
Consult your dentist or oral surgeon for an accurate cost estimate based on your needs.
Dental bone grafts are vital in restoring jawbone structure and supporting dental implants or other dental treatments.
Understanding what it is, how it works, and the standard dental bone graft costs can help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
If you have further questions or feel you may require a dental bone graft, consult with our dentist to provide you with personalized guidance.
Give us a call, or send us an email to get started!
- Call us at 781-935-8810
- Email us at reception@dentalhealthcareofwoburn.com
Visit us at our Woburn office on Pleasant Street! We’re also easily accessible to those in Winchester, Stoneham, Burlington, Reading, Lexington, Arlington, and Wakefield.
