Some dental treatments are widely known and easy to understand. Take cavity fillings, for instance. They’re pretty self-explanatory, where a dentist covers holes in the teeth to prevent further erosion. Other undertakings may necessitate a bit more pre-education.
Many people don’t even know gum grafting is a thing until they’re told they need it. If you’re among them, we’ve got the answers. This article covers what patients should know about bone and gum grafting procedures, from a basic explanation of the process to its safety and estimated cost.
What are Bone and Gum Grafting Procedures For?
Bone and gum grafting procedures are dental treatments intended to restore and regenerate oral tissues that have been damaged or lost. The process involves adding bone material to the jaw to increase bone volume and density. Oral care providers use bone and gum grafting as the foundation for both functional and aesthetic treatment plans. It’s a lesser-known but relatively common course of action in adult dentistry.
You might be told you need bone and gum grafting due to a number of reasons. Common examples have been listed below.
Tooth Loss: When teeth are missing for extended periods, the surrounding bone naturally resorbs (shrinks away). Adequate bone structure is essential for supporting dental implants, which require a solid foundation to function properly.
Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease can destroy the bone that supports teeth, leading to tooth mobility and eventual loss. Bone grafting can help rebuild this critical support structure.
Trauma or Injury: Accidents affecting the face and jaw may result in bone loss that requires reconstruction.
Congenital Defects: Some individuals are born with insufficient bone structure in certain areas of the jaw.
Orthodontic Treatment: Tooth movement can sometimes lead to gum recession.
How Bone and Gum Grafting Procedures Work
Bone and gum grafting procedures are often discussed in tandem because they address complementary aspects of oral structural integrity. But there is a difference; while bone grafts rebuild the fundamental framework of the jaw, gum grafts restore the protective soft tissue layer that shields this foundation. Both procedures follow similar surgical principles and often take place sequentially.
Here’s a rundown of each individual process:
Bone Grafting
- The area is numbed with local anesthesia.
- The surgeon makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone defect.
- The grafting material is precisely placed in the deficient area:
- Autografts: Patient’s own bone, typically harvested from the chin, jaw, hip, or shin
- Allografts: Donor bone (typically from cadavers) that has been carefully processed
- Xenografts: Animal-derived bone (commonly bovine)
- Alloplasts: Synthetic materials designed to mimic natural bone
- A protective membrane may be placed over the graft.
- The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured closed.
- Healing time varies from 3-9 months, during which new bone integrates with existing bone.
Gum Grafting
- Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected areas.
- For autografts, tissue is harvested from the donor site (typically the palate).
- The recipient site is prepared by cleaning and conditioning the exposed root surface.
- The graft is carefully positioned over the recession area and secured with fine sutures.
- In some cases, tissue-stimulating proteins or growth factors may be applied to encourage tissue regeneration.
- Initial healing occurs within 2-3 weeks, with complete tissue maturation taking several months.
Addressing the Safety and Effectiveness of Bone and Gum Grafting Procedures
Success rates for both bone and gum grafting procedures are generally high when performed by experienced specialists and when patients follow all post-operative instructions carefully. Preliminary steps like detailed dental and medical history review, clinical examination of the affected area, advanced imaging (CT scans or 3D X-rays), and treatment planning to determine the appropriate grafting material and technique to be used help in ensuring proper results.
What Patients Should Know About Bone and Gum Grafting Procedures Costs
Ontarians are lucky to have access to some coverage for bone and gum grafting procedures through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and private dental insurance plans. However, patients should be aware that coverage varies significantly depending on the specific procedure, underlying medical necessity, and individual insurance policies. Typically, bone grafting associated with dental implants may be considered partially cosmetic and therefore might not be fully covered by basic insurance plans. Patients are strongly encouraged to consult with their dental provider about detailed cost estimates and to check with their insurance company regarding specific coverage limitations before proceeding with treatment.
What Patients Should Know About Bone and Gum Grafting Procedures at Onyx Dental
This article has covered what patients should know about bone and gum grafting procedures from a general standpoint. In other words, how the treatment goes under standard circumstances. Every experience has the potential to be made better, though – and that’s exactly how things are viewed at Onyx Dental. Erin Mills residents come to our practice for equally considerate and effective care. Bone and gum grafting is just the beginning of what we can help you with. Book an initial assessment to learn more about potential treatment options today.
