Dental bone grafting in Mallorca
The best solution to tooth loss
Edentulism, or tooth loss, can be caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay or trauma. This condition not only makes chewing and speaking difficult, but can also lead to wear and tear of the jawbone. If left untreated, this deterioration can prevent the placement of dental implants. In these cases, dental bone grafting is necessary to rehabilitate the bone and prepare the jawbone structure to receive an implant.
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What is dental bone grafting?
Dental bone grafting is a bone regeneration technique used in implantology to increase the volume of the maxillary or mandibular bone, providing a solid base for the placement of dental implants. This procedure consolidates the support necessary for the implant, usually a titanium root, to integrate properly.
Although biomaterials such as calcium hydroxyapatite are becoming more common, autologous bone grafting, which uses the patient’s own bone, remains a common option to ensure bone regeneration in the affected area.
Bone Graft Technique
When a patient has insufficient maxillary or mandibular bone due to infections, periodontitis, or wear and tear, it is necessary to perform a bone graft before placing a dental implant. This bone regeneration technique allows:
- Preserve the alveolar ridge, i.e. the space left by a tooth.
- To vertically and/or horizontally increase the alveolar ridge.
- Correct bone defects around implants.
- Perform a sinus lift, i.e. of the upper bone.
In short, with the bone regeneration grafting technique we promote the formation of new bone to achieve optimum conditions for the placement of the implant in the maxilla and mandible.
Postoperative and recovery time for bone regeneration for implants
After a bone regeneration procedure for implants, it is common to experience discomfort such as pain, swelling or minor bleeding. To ensure a successful recovery, it is crucial to follow the specialist’s recommendations:
- Take prescribed medication and apply ice to the treated area.
- Avoid dairy products, alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods.
- Avoid eating or drinking for the first 2 hours.
- Sleep with your head elevated and avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Do not rinse or brush the treated area for 24 hours.
- Reduce or eliminate smoking.
- Maintain a soft diet for at least two days.
Frequently asked questions about dental bone grafting
A bone graft is necessary when the patient does not have enough bone in the maxilla or mandible to support a dental implant. This may be due to bone loss caused by periodontal disease, infection, trauma, or prolonged use of removable prostheses. The graft provides the necessary bone volume and density to ensure that the dental implant has a stable and durable base.
There are several types of bone grafts used in dentistry:Autologous graft: The patient’s own bone is used, usually taken from the jaw, hip or tibia. It is the most effective type because the body recognises the material as its own, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Autologous graft: The patient’s own bone is used, usually taken from the jaw, hip or tibia. It is the most effective type because the body recognises the material as its own, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Allogenic graft: It comes from human donors. This type is processed and sterilised for use in different patients, being a good option when it is not desired or possible to take bone from the patient.
- Xenogenic graft: It comes from animals, such as bovine. The bone is purified to prevent the transmission of disease and is biocompatible with human tissue.
- Synthetic graft: Manufactured in the laboratory from biocompatible materials such as calcium hydroxyapatite. These grafts mimic the structure of natural bone and are an effective alternative.
After a bone graft, it is important to follow the dentist’s instructions to ensure proper recovery. This includes taking prescribed medication (such as antibiotics and painkillers), applying ice to the treated area to reduce swelling, and following a soft diet for the first few days. Avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and strenuous physical activity is also crucial for healing. Oral hygiene is essential, but it is necessary to avoid brushing directly on the treated area for the first 24 hours.
The bone graft procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which means that the patient should not feel pain during the surgery. However, it is normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure, similar to that of a tooth extraction. This discomfort may include pain, swelling and minor bleeding, and is usually controlled with painkillers prescribed by the specialist.
The waiting time for dental implant placement after bone grafting varies depending on the amount of bone grafted and the patient’s healing rate. In general, it is recommended to wait 3 to 6 months to ensure that the graft has fully integrated with the existing bone. This ensures a solid foundation for implant placement and reduces the risk of complications.
The success of a bone graft can be affected by several factors, such as the patient’s general health, the quality of the existing bone, compliance with postoperative care, and the choice of graft type. Patients with medical conditions such as diabetes, smokers or those who do not follow the specialist’s instructions may have a higher risk of complications and failure of graft integration.
If you are not an ideal candidate for a bone graft, there are alternatives such as zygomatic implants, which are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheek bone) instead of the jawbone. Another option is to use shorter or angled implants, which require less bone. In some cases, it is also possible to perform bone regeneration techniques without the need for a graft.
Our specialists in dental bone grafting
Dra. Maria Morro
Specialist in dental prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Master's degree in Paediatric Dentistry and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
Dr. Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Periodontics and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Dentistry and Master's degree in Aesthetic Medicine. University expert in Periodontology and postgraduate degree in Implantology.