Bone Grafting

Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to augment or restore bone in the jaw. It is often necessary when patients require dental implants but lack adequate bone volume to support them. This procedure enhances the quality and quantity of the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for successful implant placement.

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Why Is Dental Bone Grafting Needed?

Several factors can lead to insufficient bone in the jaw, including tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or natural bone resorption. Without adequate bone, dental implants may not be stable or secure. Dental bone grafting addresses this issue by fortifying the jaw, making it suitable for implant placement.

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Benefits of Dental Bone Grafting

Facilitates Implant Placement: Dental bone grafting ensures there is enough bone to securely anchor dental implants, enhancing their stability and longevity.
Preserves Facial Structure: By preventing further bone loss and preserving natural gum contours, bone grafting helps maintain facial aesthetics and prevents a “sunken” appearance.
Restores Chewing Function: Bone grafting can restore the ability to chew and speak comfortably, improving overall oral function.
Increases Treatment Options: With the success of bone grafting, patients who were previously ineligible for dental implants can now benefit from this advanced solution.
Minimizes Complications: When performed by our implant surgeons, dental bone grafting is a safe procedure with minimal risks.

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The Dental Bone Grafting Procedure

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your journey towards dental bone grafting begins with a comprehensive consultation at Dulwich Dental Office. During this visit:

Oral Examination: Our surgeons will perform a thorough oral examination and may take X-rays or 3D scans to evaluate your bone quality and structure.
Treatment Discussion: We will discuss your specific needs, goals, and treatment options, including whether dental bone grafting is recommended. Our team will address any concerns and provide a detailed treatment plan.

2. Preoperative Preparations

Before the dental bone grafting procedure, you may be advised to:

Quit Smoking: If you smoke, it’s essential to quit or significantly reduce smoking, as smoking can impair the healing process.
Medications: Our surgeons may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to prevent infection or manage postoperative discomfort.

3.Bone Grafting Surgery

The bone grafting surgery is the heart of the dental bone grafting procedure, where our experienced team of surgeons meticulously perform a series of steps to augment or restore bone in the jaw. This surgical process is crucial to create a stable foundation for future dental implants or address bone loss due to various factors.

Step 1: Anesthesia and Preparation

The process begins with your comfort and safety in mind. Our surgeons will administer local anesthesia to ensure that you do not experience pain during the procedure. This anesthesia numbs the surgical site, allowing you to remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the surgery. For particularly complex cases or for patients who desire additional relaxation, sedation options, such as intravenous (IV) sedation or oral sedation, may be available.

Step 2: Incision

With the anesthesia taking effect, our surgeons will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the area where bone grafting is needed. This incision provides access to the underlying jawbone and allows for precise placement of the graft material.

Step 3: Graft Material Selection

The choice of graft material depends on your unique needs and the recommendations of our surgeons. There are several options available:

Autograft: In some cases, a small amount of bone may be harvested from another area of your body, typically the hip or the back of the jaw. This autograft material is considered the gold standard due to its compatibility with your body.
Allograft: Allograft material is sourced from a donor, processed to eliminate any risk of disease transmission, and sterilized for safety. Allografts are a suitable alternative when using your bone is not feasible.
Xenograft or Synthetic Graft: Xenografts are derived from animal sources, such as bovine or porcine bone, and are processed to be biocompatible. Synthetic graft materials may also be used, consisting of biocompatible materials designed to encourage new bone growth.

The choice of graft material is made after careful consideration of your specific case and requirements.

Step 4: Graft Placement

Once the appropriate graft material is prepared, our surgeons will place it in the area of bone deficiency. The graft material serves as a scaffold or framework, encouraging the growth of new bone cells. This new bone tissue gradually replaces the graft material over time, making it an integral part of your natural bone.

Step 5: Closure and Suturing

With the graft material in place, the surgical site is carefully closed with sutures. These sutures are typically absorbable and will dissolve on their own over time. The closure is precise to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection.

Step 6: Postoperative Care

Following the bone grafting surgery, our team will provide you with detailed postoperative care instructions. It’s essential to follow these instructions diligently to promote successful healing. This may include guidelines on pain management, dietary restrictions (such as a soft-food diet), and oral hygiene practices.

Step 7: Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress. These appointments allow our surgeons to assess the integration of the graft material with your natural bone and ensure that the site is healing as expected. Any necessary adjustments or further care will be discussed during these visits.

4. Dental Implant Placement

Once sufficient bone volume is achieved, typically several months after bone grafting, you can proceed with dental implant placement. Our surgeons will assess the condition of the graft site and ensure it is ready for implant surgery.

Is dental bone grafting a painful procedure?

Dental bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Postoperatively, some discomfort is common but can be managed with prescribed medications.

How long does it take to recover from dental bone grafting?

Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the grafting. Most patients can expect a few days to a couple of weeks of recovery. It’s essential to follow postoperative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments.

Are there any risks associated with dental bone grafting?

Dental bone grafting is generally safe when performed by our surgeons. Risks are minimal but may include infection, bleeding, or graft failure. Our surgeons take all necessary precautions to minimize these risks.

Can I receive dental implants immediately after bone grafting?

In most cases, dental implant placement is performed several months after bone grafting to allow time for the graft material to integrate with your natural bone. However, immediate implant placement may be considered in specific situations, depending on the individual case.

How long does the bone grafting procedure take?

The duration of the bone grafting procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case. On average, it takes approximately one to two hours, but your specific procedure timeline will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Dr Javier Perez

Dental Implant and Oral Surgeon
Lic Odont, PG Cert (Implant), MClinDent (Implant), Dip Oral Surg RCS (Eng), PG Cert Cons Sed
GDC No: 225487
Special interest in Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Dr Javier Perez graduated in dental surgery in 2010.

His clinical practice is focused on dental implants and oral surgery, from simple single tooth replacements to complex reconstructions involving both soft and hard tissues.

Dr Javier has completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry MClinDent (Implant) in London over three years and was awarded a diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the most prestigious colleges in UK.
Dr Perez has trained in Oral Surgery at the Maxillofacial Unit in the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South England. He is at the forefront of dental implants and oral surgery regularly attending National and International conferences to develop his skills and learn about the latest trends in Implantology.

At Dulwich Dental our implant team have placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the countries leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases here at Dulwich Dental Office.

Outside of work Dr Javier spends the majority of his time with his young family, recently welcoming a new son (October, 2021). He enjoys spending weekends exploring London, especially going to local food markets.

Other Specialist Dental Treatments

INVISALIGN

Straightens your teeth discreetly with a series of clear aligners

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FACIAL AESTHETICS

Safe and effective line and wrinkle treatments

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ORTHODONTICS

Choose from a range of teeth straightening treatments

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PERIODONTAL THERAPY

Treatment and prevention of gum disease

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ENDODONTICS

Root canal treatment to save the root of a tooth

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ORAL SURGERY

Complex dental surgery

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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS

Lose teeth in their upper or lower jaw because of tooth decay

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We Have You Covered

If you require a dentist in London or any type of dental treatment in Dulwich, Aldgate, Anerley, Barbican, Battersea, Bow, Bromley,Camden Town, Canary Wharf, Charing Cross, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Deptford, Eden Park, Elephant and Castle, Finchley,Finsbury, Fitzrovia, Fulham, Hackney, Perry Vale, Forest Hill, Peckham Rye, Sydenham, Nunhead, Gipsy Hill, Crofton Park, Brockley, Ladywell, Tulse Hill, Penge, New Cross, Thornton Heath, Catford, Rushey Green, South Norwood, Balham, Clapham, Tooting, Lewisham, Brixton, Crystal Palace, Camberwell, Herne Hill, Honor Oak, Orpington, Peckham, Streatham or Upper Sydenham contact Dulwich Dental Office.

Testimonials

The Dentist, Hygienist, Dental Nurses & Especially the Receptionist staff are very Polite, Friendly & most importantly they try to fit you in quickly in the event of an emergency. Recently I couldn’t get the time of work for an emergency appointment for my 81 year old Mum so I called an Uber for her & told the receptionist this. The young Black Lady called me when she ordered & place my Mother in a cab – so she went above & beyond her duties with a lot of Customer Care & Respect for my Mother- Thank You so much

Zehra M.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

I have recently finished an invisalign program with Pooja at dulwich dental office and couldn’t be happier. The treatment was easy and pain free and the results are great. Pooja’s experience and friendliness made me feel at ease throughout. I would 100% recommend for anyone considering similar treatment.

Toby B.

A great surgery; Dr Cavan in particular spent time with me to make sure my new night guards fitted well and were up to the job

Dentist Pooja Pillay is excellent and was very patient with me as I I took a long time (years!) deciding whether or not to take the plunge and have Invisalign to straighten my teeth. It didn’t take too long and was easier than I thought it would be. Pooja kept a close eye on how it was all progressing and we even went a bit longer with it just to really perfect the result. I’m delighted with the outcome. Everything was included in the price, even the extra aligners and appointments when we decided to go on a bit longer. All staff at the practice have been excellent. Highly recommend.

Susie F.

I had my Invisaligns done by Dr Pillay and she really took the time to make sure my teeth are lovely and straight. She has always been available with any queries or follow up treatment I needed – and made me feel well looked after from the beginning and end of the treatment. I really recommend seeing her if you want to get Invisaligns done.

Stella C.

Dr. Cavan is super attentive and thoughtful and great at putting is patients at ease. I hate going to the dentist but havent dreaded it once. Everyone is super friendly and clinic is nice. I could not recommend more.

I am undergoing a course of Invisalign treatment with Dulwich Dental Office and I am so pleased with the results, even at this early stage. It is great that I can take the braces out to eat and clean my teeth. I am looking forward to the end result.