Bone Grafting
Hyannis, MA
Bone Grafting provided by Dr. Gus Dehni
and Dr. Chris Webb
in Hyannis, MA at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
 The human body possesses the ability to heal from even the most serious trauma. However, sometimes, bones don't always heal properly after a fracture. Perhaps it's because of poor blood supply to the area, or the break is severe. In cases like these, bone grafting provides the extra support needed to get things back on track.
Whether due to injury, infection, or certain medical conditions like osteoporosis, bone loss can make it difficult for you to go about your daily life. Without enough bone to go around, things like dental implants or joint replacements might not be possible. Bone grafting helps build up that missing bone so you can return to chewing your favorite foods.
Indications for Bone Grafting
Bone grafting may be recommended for various orthopedic and dental conditions, including:
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Fracture repair, especially in cases of non-union or delayed union.
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Spinal fusion surgery to stabilize the spine and promote fusion between vertebrae.
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Dental implant placement to augment bone volume in the jaw.
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Corrective procedures for bone deformities or defects.
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Treatment of bone infections or osteomyelitis.
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Reconstruction following tumor removal or trauma. |
Types of Bone Grafts
Autograft
Also known as autogenous bone graft, autograft involves using bone harvested from the patient's own body.
This is often considered the gold standard for bone grafting because it provides living bone tissue with all the necessary components for bone growth. Common donor sites for autografts include the iliac crest (the pelvic bone), the fibula (a bone in the lower leg), and the ribs.
Autografts have the advantage of excellent integration and a low risk of rejection since the bone comes from the patient's own body. However, the procedure to harvest the bone can be associated with pain and potential complications at the donor site.
Allograft
Allograft involves using bone tissue obtained from a human donor other than the patient.
The donor bone is typically processed to remove cells and reduce the risk of rejection while preserving the bone matrix. Allografts are readily available and eliminate the need for a second surgical site to harvest bone from the patient's own body.
They are often used in cases where the patient does not have enough viable bone for an autograft or when additional bone is needed to supplement an autograft. However, allografts carry a slightly higher risk of immune rejection than autografts.
Xenograft
Xenograft involves using bone tissue obtained from a species other than humans, typically bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) bone.
Like allografts, xenografts are processed to remove cells and reduce the risk of rejection. They provide a scaffold for new bone growth but do not contain living cells. Xenografts are often used as a bone substitute in situations where autografts or allografts are not available or suitable.
However, there is a risk of immune rejection and transmission of infectious diseases, although rigorous processing and sterilization protocols are employed to mitigate these risks.
Bone Grafting vs. Alveolar Ridge Augmentation
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is the most common type of bone augmentation technique that involves taking bone from one part of the body or using synthetic or donated bone material to replace or augment bone in the jaw.
Advantages
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Autografts use the patient's own bone, minimizing the risk of rejection or disease transmission.
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Allografts and synthetic grafts eliminate the need for a secondary surgical site, reducing patient morbidity and operative time. |
Disadvantages
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Autografts require an additional surgical site, leading to potential donor site complications and increased discomfort for the patient.
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Allografts and xenografts are slightly susceptible to immune rejection or disease transmission.
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Synthetic graft materials may not integrate as effectively with the surrounding bone tissue compared to natural bone grafts. |
Alveolar Ridge Augmentation
Alveolar ridge augmentation specifically targets the alveolar ridge – the bony ridge that holds the teeth – in cases where it has resorbed or atrophied, often due to tooth loss or periodontal disease.
Advantages
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Alveolar ridge augmentation helps maintain or restore the anatomical contours of the jaw.
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By preserving ridge dimensions, it reduces the need for extensive bone grafting procedures in future implant placements. |
Disadvantages
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Alveolar ridge augmentation typically requires a longer healing period compared to simple bone grafting procedures.
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Complications such as infection, graft failure, or inadequate bone formation may occur, necessitating additional interventions. |
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)
GBR is a surgical technique used in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery to regenerate bone in areas where it has been lost due to trauma, disease, or tooth extraction. The primary goal of GBR is to facilitate the growth of new bone by providing a barrier membrane that excludes soft tissue ingrowth into the defect site, allowing space for bone regeneration.
Clinical Applications of GBR
GBR has a wide range of clinical applications in dentistry, these include:
Ridge Augmentation
GBR is used to increase deficient alveolar ridges and prepare them for dental implant placement. By regenerating bone in ridge resorption areas, GBR helps create a stable foundation for implant-supported restorations.
Socket Preservation
Following tooth extraction, GBR can be employed to preserve the alveolar bone and prevent ridge collapse. This is particularly important in aesthetic areas where maintaining bone volume is crucial for future implant placement and esthetic outcomes.
Sinus Floor Elevation
In cases of severe maxillary atrophy, GBR combined with sinus floor elevation techniques can be used to increase bone height and volume in the posterior maxilla, allowing for implant placement in areas with inadequate bone.
Periodontal Defects
GBR is also utilized in the treatment of periodontal defects, such as intrabody defects and furcation defects, to regenerate lost periodontal supporting tissues and improve clinical outcomes.
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery or periodontal flap surgery, is a procedure performed to treat periodontitis (advanced gum disease). It is typically recommended when non-surgical methods like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) have not effectively addressed advanced periodontitis.
Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, resulting in unstable tooth support and eventual tooth loss. Osseous surgery can help regenerate lost bone tissue and stabilize the affected teeth.
In conclusion, bone grafting is an essential procedure in modern medicine, with applications ranging from orthopedic surgeries to dental implants. Through bone grafting, patients can regain mobility, functionality, and aesthetics, enhancing their quality of life. As technology advances and research progresses, the field of bone grafting continues to evolve, offering more efficient and innovative techniques to address various bone deficiencies and injuries.
Whether you have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth extraction, our bone grafting procedure can help rebuild your jaw structure and support the placement of dental implants. Visit our website today to learn how to get a natural-looking and functional smile. For more information, call us today at 508-204-3145! |
