Implants
Replaces a missing tooth with a titanium post placed in the jawbone, restored with a crown once healed. From placement to final crown typically takes three to six months.
Bone Graft Surgery
Bone graft surgery aims to fill an area where the bone is inadequate in providing structural stability. Your dentist may advise that you undergo bone graft surgery if your jawbone is too thin or soft to support an implant. If the bone cannot support the implant, the implant may eventually get infected and dislodge.
Sinus Lift Surgery (Internal)
Under local anesthesia, the dental surgeon will cut a flap in the gums of your upper jaw to access the bone underneath. Then, a small hole will be cut into your bone directly below the sinus.
Bone grafting material is then used to fill in the hole that was cut in the jawbone and push the sinus membrane upward. Once the hole is filled, the surgeon will stitch the gums back together over the bone.
Sinus Lift Surgery (External)
Local anaesthesia will be administered, following which the dental surgeon will cut a flap in the gums to reveal the bone underneath. An opening will be cut into the side of the bone.
Bone grafting material will be added to fill the space in the jaw. Then a collagen membrane will be placed over the bone graft to hold it in place and the gums will be stitched back together.
Ridge Augmentation
When your tooth is extracted, the bone that was previously supporting the tooth will shrink, resulting in thinner bone in that area. Ridge augmentation helps to add more height or width to the bone so that there is enough support for an implant in the future.
Once your tooth has been extracted, bone graft material will be placed in the empty socket.
Then, the surrounding gums will be stitched over the socket filled with bone graft material.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is dental bone grafting always necessary for dental implant placement?
Dental bone grafting may not always be necessary for dental implant placement. However, it is often recommended when there is insufficient bone to support the implant or to enhance the long-term success and stability of the implant.
What materials are used for dental bone grafts?
There are different materials used for dental bone grafts, including autografts (bone taken from the patient's own body), allografts (bone from a donor), xenografts (animal bone), and synthetic bone graft substitutes.
Can dental bone grafts fail?
Dental bone grafts have a high success rate, but there is a small risk of graft failure. Factors that can contribute to graft failure include infection, poor blood supply, excessive pressure on the graft site, or smoking, which can impair the healing process.
Why would someone need a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft may be necessary when a person has insufficient bone in their jaw to support a dental implant. It is also used to restore bone loss due to periodontal disease or trauma and to improve the overall structure and density of the jawbone.
What can I eat and what should I avoid doing after the bone graft surgery?
During the first 1 to 2 weeks, avoid chewing hard or crunchy goods. Do not use a straw when drinking as this sucking motion can result in more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. Rinse thoroughly but gently after eating to prevent trapped food from infecting the surgical site.
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How long will it take for me to recover if I have undergone a sinus lift procedure?
In general, it will take about 1 month for the gum to heal and 4 to 9 months for the bone to grow and stabilise.
Is dental bone grafting an expensive procedure?
The cost of dental bone grafting can vary depending on factors such as the size of the graft, the type of graft material used, and the complexity of the case. It is best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to get an accurate estimate of the cost.
Is a dental bone graft a painful procedure?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. Some discomfort or soreness may be experienced after the procedure, but it can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your dentist.
How long does it take for a dental bone graft to heal?
The healing time for a dental bone graft varies depending on the individual, the size of the graft, and the type of graft material used. In general, it can take several months for the graft to integrate with the existing bone.
Can I participate in sports or any physically strenuous activities after the bone graft surgery?
Please rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours following the implant surgery. Your body will need rest in order for the surgical site to heal quickly and smoothly.
How do I continue maintaining good oral hygiene after my bone graft surgery?
Do not brush the surgical site with a toothbrush until you are given the go-ahead by the surgeon at the review visit. Clean the surgical site gently with moist gauze and gargle with the antiseptic mouthwash prescribed. You may brush the teeth next to the surgical site but do so gently and carefully so as not to injure the surgical flap. Do not use any over-the-counter mouthwashes, as these may slow healing and possibly lead to infections.
Can I use Medisave to pay for dental treatments?
Medisave may be used to pay for the following surgical procedures such as: surgical tooth removal (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth), implant surgery, bone grafts, and biopsies. If you are above 60, you can also use Flexi Medisave for root canal treatment and crowns.
Procedures such as braces, Invisalign and dentures cannot be paid for with Medisave
Am I allowed to smoke after the bone graft surgery?
You are advised not to smoke until the wound has healed, as this slows down healing in the mouth.
What is a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone or a bone substitute to the jawbone to create a stable foundation for dental implants or to promote bone regeneration.
How long after a dental bone graft can dental implants be placed?
The timing for placing dental implants after a bone graft varies depending on the individual case and the healing progress. In some cases, implants can be placed simultaneously with the bone graft, while in others, a waiting period of several months is necessary for proper integration of the graft before implant placement.
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