Options and procedures
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the benefits of a brand new smile. For some, the process may require implant bone regeneration.
This is because dental implants need strong support from your jawbone in order to stay in place. A good amount of bone mass in the jaw means that your implants are much more likely to stay firm and heal properly.
Bone regeneration is performed by our principal dentist, Mr Philip McCauley. During the procedure, bone regeneration material is carefully placed and secured where needed which then acts as a scaffold for your own body to grow its own bone onto. At Dorset Dental Clinic, our highly skilled and experienced dental surgeon, Phillip McCauley, will perform the bone regeneration procedures.
Where does the bone come from for a dental bone graft?
There are several options for the material used in dental bone graft treatments, using both natural and synthetic materials.
Alloplastics are a synthetic bone substitute, created to mimic natural human bone material. Alloplastic bone grafts are made up of calcium phosphates, which are minerals found in natural bone. This helps to promote bone healing, essentially creating a foundation that encourages regular bone cells to form new bone on top of the graft material. This is the most common type of dental bone graft.
Xenografts are usually made with bone taken from an animal, typically bovine or equine. This type of bone graft provides long-term stability and it is deproteinised by heating before use to eliminate any risk of disease transmission. Xenografts are used because the bone structure is very similar to human bone.
Allografts use bone from another human. As the natural structure of the bone material is the same, this is a very safe and common form of bone regeneration.
Vegan solutions to bone regeneration
At Dorset Dental Clinic, we understand that some lifestyle decisions such as vegetarianism or veganism will impact the choice of material used in your bone regeneration procedure. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are made fully aware of the materials being used. The same goes for religious clients.
Are dental bone grafts painful?
Bone regeneration should be considered a very minor procedure. It can cause a little discomfort only, in the following days. During the treatment itself, you will be given a local anaesthetic to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In some cases, if agreed with your dental surgeon, you may be sedated.
How long does it take to recover from a dental bone regeneration?
Whether you are having a minor, medium or major bone graft procedure (depending on your current bone structure), you must remember it will take some time to recover. The procedure is likely to result in minimum discomfort only and will cause minor disruption at worst to your daily routines.
- Eat only soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the surgical area
- Do not smoke during the healing process, as this can cause the area not to fully heal and ultimately cause the dental implants to fail
- Brush, floss and rinse your mouth with non-alcoholic mouthwash
- Check in with your dentist regularly to ensure the area is healing properly
For more information about dental bone regeneration, contact us today.
