How to Choose the Ideal Bone Graft: Key Factors to Consider

Dental restorations like implants require a strong and stable foundation. When placing implants we need sufficient bone to support and anchorage the screw post through masticatory forces. If bone has degraded, extensive procedures are required. The periodontal treatment in Dieppe, NB for insufficient bone thickness is bone grafting. 

Learn more about bone grafting and the options available that are compatible with your natural bone structure. 

What are bone grafts?

Bone graft is a suitable material that is placed near a bone-deficient area to act as a framework for the development of new bone, filling voids and defects and fusing with the surrounding bone as new bone forms and matures. 

Why are bone grafts needed?

Teeth exert pressure on the bones in the jaw each time you bite. This pressure and stimulation keep the bone healthy and strong. When you lose a tooth, the bone begins to degrade gradually. This process can take months to years before the bone loss is prominent. 

To place a dental implant for teeth replacement, you need bone. Prolonged periods of tooth loss may often result in a lack of sufficient bone, both in quantity and quality. Bone grafts supply you with the quality bone needed for successful implantation. A proper bone structure is essential for facial structure. Grafts help restore the jawline contours for a healthy-looking facial structure. 

How do dentists choose the best bone graft material?

The choice of bone grafting material often depends on balancing the patient’s expectations with the complexity of the deficient bone. The treatment needs of each patient may differ which requires individualization and different types of bone grafting material. 

The most important criteria for choosing a bone grafting material have been discussed below: 

• Osteoconductive

• • • These materials encourage osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) produced by the body to integrate within the graft structure, using it as a scaffold for new bone formation and repair. 

• Osteoconductive 

• • • This type of graft material stimulates the migration of stem cells into the grafting site via blood vessels.
    • These stem cells further stimulate osteoblasts to form from undifferentiated cells.

• Osteogenic

• • Osteogenic graft material contains living osteoblasts that promote the formation of additional osteoblasts to form on the scaffolding. 

Conclusion 

Your dentist will evaluate your bone structure and determine the type of graft material needed based on your age, missing space, and the structure of the remaining bone. They will either provide you with graft material obtained from tissue bone banks or use patient-harvested bone for reconstruction.