Bone Grafting: An Overview

Overview of the Procedure
Bone grafting involves restoring bones in poor condition by inserting your own harvested bone as well as tissue donor bone or artificial bone into spaces where bone is missing. Bone grafting may be necessary when there are defects in bones or complex bone fractures, as a result of disease or injury.

Reasons for the Procedure
Bone grafting can help repair and/or grow new bone cells. A bone graft may be necessary to insert dental implants. Segments of the jaw may need to undergo bone grafting due to prolonged tooth loss or poorly fitted dentures.

What to Expect
Bone grafting is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The type of bone material used depends on the patient. The grafting material may be your own bone, bone from a tissue donor, bone from another animal, or synthetic bone. Sometimes microscrews and/ or collagen membranes are used to hold the bone in place.

Recovery
Recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the bone graft. Pain can be managed with medication.