Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild or repair bones by transplanting bone tissue. In the upper (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible), bone grafting is commonly performed to increase bone volume for the placement of dental implants or to restore bone structure after trauma or tooth decay. At Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa, OK, we provide expert bone grafting procedures to help our patients achieve the necessary bone support for optimal dental health.

You may need a bone graft if you’ve experienced jawbone loss due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or trauma. Bone grafting may also be necessary to maintain bone structure after a tooth extraction or to create a stable foundation for dental implants. Without sufficient bone, implants may not be successful, making a graft crucial for long-term dental restoration.

There are several types of bone grafts:

• Autografts: Bone taken from another site in your body.
• Allografts: Donor bone sourced from a bone bank.
• Xenografts: Bone from another species, typically bovine.
• Alloplasts: Synthetic bone materials.

At Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa, our surgeons will recommend the best type of graft based on your individual needs.

The bone grafting procedure itself is painless, as it is performed under local anesthesia, with the option of sedation for enhanced comfort. Post-operative discomfort can vary but is usually manageable with prescribed pain medication.

Recovery after a bone graft can vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Initial healing generally takes around two weeks, but full integration of the graft with your jawbone can take several months. Regular follow-up visits will help monitor your healing progress.

After a bone graft, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions closely:

• Stick to soft foods.
• Avoid touching or disturbing the graft site.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection.

Proper care will promote healing and the successful integration of the graft.

While bone grafting is generally safe, potential risks include infection, inflammation, graft rejection, or failure to integrate into the jawbone. These complications are rare, especially when performed by an experienced oral surgeon in Tulsa.

The success rate of bone grafting for dental restoration is high, especially when patients follow post-operative care instructions and maintain good oral hygiene (Source: Journal of Oral Implantology).

Rejection of bone grafts is uncommon because the materials used are either taken from your own body or are specially processed to minimize the risk of rejection.

The cost of bone grafting varies depending on the type of graft used and the complexity of the procedure. Many dental insurance plans cover bone grafting, especially if it is necessary for dental implant placement. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details.

Following the bone graft procedure, you may experience swelling and mild discomfort, which should subside within a few days. Complete bone healing takes longer and will be monitored through follow-up visits at Elite Oral Surgery of Tulsa.

In many cases, a bone graft can be performed at the same time as a tooth extraction to preserve the alveolar ridge and prepare for future dental implants. This can shorten overall treatment time and help preserve the structure of the jawbone.

A lateral sinus lift is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone to the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars. This procedure is often necessary for patients with insufficient bone height in the upper jaw to accommodate dental implants. At Elite Oral Surgery of Tulsa, we perform lateral sinus lifts to help patients achieve the bone density required for successful implant placement.

A sinus lift is recommended when the sinuses are too close to the upper jaw, or there isn't enough bone height to support dental implants. By adding bone through a sinus lift procedure, we create a stable foundation for future implant placement.

During a lateral sinus lift, an incision is made in the gum above where the back teeth used to be. The surgeon creates a small opening in the bone and gently lifts the sinus membrane. Bone graft material is then placed into the space created, providing the necessary volume for implant placement.

The bone graft materials used in a sinus lift can vary, including:

• Autografts: Your own bone.
• Allografts: Donor bone from a bone bank.
• Xenografts: Bone from an animal source, usually bovine.
• Alloplasts: Synthetic bone materials.

Your oral surgeon will recommend the most suitable material based on your specific needs.

After a sinus lift, you may experience swelling, mild bleeding, and some discomfort. Pain management and antibiotics may be prescribed to aid recovery and prevent infection. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

Initial healing from a sinus lift usually takes about 7-10 days, but complete integration of the bone graft into the jaw can take several months. This healing period ensures the graft provides a stable base for dental implants.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as sinus membrane perforation, infection, bleeding, graft failure, or sinusitis. At Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa, we take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure successful outcomes.

Dental implants are typically placed 4-9 months after a sinus lift, once the bone graft has fully integrated with the jawbone. Your oral surgeon will monitor your healing progress to determine the optimal time for implant placement.