Bone grafting in dentistry refers to the process of adding new bone material to the jawbone to help it regrow and heal. This procedure is often performed when there is not enough healthy bone tissue to support the placement of dental implants or to repair areas of the jawbone that have been damaged or lost due to injury, disease, or tooth extraction.
There are several types of bone grafting materials that can be used in dentistry, including:
Autografts: These are bone grafts that are taken from the patient’s own body, such as the hip, chin, or skull.
Allografts: These are bone grafts that are taken from a donor and processed to make them safe for transplantation.
Xenografts: These are bone grafts that are taken from a different species, such as a cow or pig.
Synthetic bone grafts: These are artificial bone grafts made from synthetic materials, such as ceramics or biodegradable polymers.
The success of a bone grafting procedure depends on several factors, including the type of graft used, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s experience and skill. If the bone grafting procedure is successful, the new bone material will eventually fuse with the existing jawbone, providing a solid foundation for dental implants or other dental procedures.