Bone Grafting in Bundoora
If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, bone grafting may be used to rebuild selected areas before dental implant treatment where additional bone is required.
JAWBONE GRAFTING FOR IMPLANT PREPARATION
Bone Grafting Before Dental Implant Treatment
Bone grafting is a pre-implant procedure that may be used to rebuild areas of the jaw where bone volume has reduced over time. At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, dental bone grafting may be considered where additional bone is required before dental implant treatment.
If you’ve been told there may not be enough bone for dental implant placement, bone grafting may be one step in your treatment plan. Dr Chandni Passi and our caring team will explain the procedure, healing process and what may be required before implant treatment can proceed.
We proudly support patients from Bundoora, Reservoir, Thomastown, Mill Park, Greensborough, Watsonia, Macleod, Eltham, Lalor, Rosanna, and surrounding suburbs.
Is Bone Grafting Right for Me?
You may be considered for a dental bone graft if:
- You are planning dental implant treatment and additional bone may be required
- Imaging shows reduced bone height, width or density in the proposed implant area
- Bone volume has reduced following tooth loss
- You have experienced bone loss associated with injury, infection or other oral health conditions
Each case is assessed individually during your consultation. We’ll explain the available options and the expected treatment timeline based on your clinical findings.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
- Socket Preservation: Graft material may be placed following tooth removal to help maintain bone volume in the area.
- Ridge Augmentation: May be used to rebuild areas where the jaw ridge has reduced in width or height.
- Sinus Grafting: May be considered in the upper jaw near the molars and premolars where additional bone height is required before implant placement.
Dr Chandni Passi will discuss which grafting approach may be appropriate based on your examination, imaging and individual treatment plan.
Why Is Bone Grafting Needed?
To place a dental implant, there must be enough healthy jawbone to support the titanium post. However, bone volume can shrink over time due to:
- Tooth extraction or long-term tooth loss
- Gum disease or infection
- Age-related changes in the jaw
- Trauma or injury
Bone grafting uses natural or synthetic grafting material to add bone volume to selected areas of the jaw. During healing, the graft material is intended to integrate with the surrounding bone. The extent of integration and healing varies between patients.
What Happens During a Dental Bone Graft?
1. Consultation and Planning
We begin with a detailed examination, digital imaging, and discussion of your goals. This helps us determine the type of graft required and whether additional steps are needed before implant placement.
2. Grafting Procedure
The grafting material is placed in the area where additional bone is required. This may be performed at the time of tooth extraction or as a separate procedure. Local anaesthetic is typically used during treatment.
3. Healing and Bone Integration
The graft material generally requires several months of healing. During this period, the area is monitored to assess how the graft is integrating with the surrounding bone. Once sufficient healing has occurred, the area can be reassessed to determine whether implant placement may proceed.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After bone grafting, some patients may experience:
- Swelling around the treated area
- Tenderness or discomfort
- Minor bleeding
- Temporary changes in sensation around the surgical area
Your dentist will provide instructions about cleaning, eating, physical activity and any medication required during recovery. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor healing and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.
Bone Grafting to Prepare the Jaw for Dental Implants
Bone grafting may be used to increase bone volume before dental implant treatment where additional support is required. Book a consultation to discuss whether grafting may be suitable for your treatment plan.
Bone Graft Aftercare and Recovery
Recovery after bone grafting varies between patients. Swelling, tenderness or discomfort may occur during the healing period. We’ll provide aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the treated area.
To support your recovery:
- Avoid smoking or strenuous activity as advised
- Stick to soft foods for the period recommended by your dentist
- Use prescribed medication as directed
- Maintain oral hygiene according to your aftercare instructions
Once the grafted area has healed, we’ll reassess the jaw and discuss whether implant placement can proceed.
Bone grafting is generally performed under local anaesthetic. Some discomfort, swelling or tenderness may occur after the procedure, and the amount experienced varies between patients. Your dentist will discuss appropriate pain relief and aftercare where required.
Healing time varies depending on the extent and location of the graft, the material used and the patient’s individual healing response. The grafted area will be reviewed before any subsequent implant treatment is planned.
In some cases, dental implant placement may be performed at the same time as bone grafting. This depends on factors such as the amount and quality of existing bone, implant stability and the individual treatment plan. Your dentist will determine whether this may be appropriate after assessment.
Different bone graft materials may be used depending on the procedure and individual treatment needs. Your dentist will explain the proposed graft material, why it is being considered and any relevant risks or limitations before treatment.
