What is In a Bone Graft?

If you have been recommended for bone grafting, it is important to understand what it is. Continue reading for more information about what is in a bone graft.

Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?

Bone grafts are done in order to restore missing bone structure. This is done for a number of reasons:

• In order to ensure the successful placement of a dental implant. If there is not enough bone structure present, the implant will have nothing to firmly integrate with, and faces the risk of failure.
• If a tooth has been extracted and the extraction site does not have a healthy amount of bone, bone graft will be placed to encourage bone regeneration.
• If there are fractures in the bone, the successful placement of bone graft will ensure that the fracture is able to heal by fusing the bone together.

Types of Bone Graft

There are a few different types of bone graft available for use. The type that is used will be determined depending upon the preference of the dentist, the location of the site in the mouth, and the personal health history of the patient. Below are the types of bone graft that are commonly used in modern dentistry:

• Autograft: Autograft is bone that is harvested from another portion of the patient’s body. As the bone comes from within the individual’s body, it faces very little risk of rejection and no risk of the transmission of any diseases. This option is favorable, though for those with bone diseases, this may not be an option.

• Xenograft: Xenograft is the term used to refer to bone that is taken from an animal. Bovine (cow) is the most commonly used source for xenograft, as it is easily-accessible and has proven to have a generally high success rate in the use of grafting.

• Synthetic: As the name suggests, synthetic grafting is completed with a synthetic, man-made bone graft material. Synthetic grafting is quickly becoming an industry standard as it is easily accessible and poses no risk of disease transmission. It is also more cost effective, as it can simply be fabricated and does not have to be harvested from another source.

• Allograft: Allograft is bone that has been harvested from a cadaver. As it is human bone, it has a high success rate, and has even proven to have the ability to heal bone defects on its own.

With the information you learned here, you’ll have a better understanding of what bone grafting is, as well as what it is composed of. Here at EZ Dental, we are here to find the solution that works best for you. To speak with our team of dental professionals in order to determine if you are a candidate for bone grafting, give us a call at (408) 227-6000.