BONE GRAFTS

A procedure to restore form and function

Bone and soft-tissue grafting are procedures that are usually done prior to dental implant surgery. A graft is used to replace missing bone and tissue following the loss of teeth, previous trauma or tumours, or as a result of congenital deformity such as a cleft lip and palate. Without sufficient bone and soft-tissue in the jaw and around the implant site, a dental implant cannot be placed successfully.

To perform a bone grafting procedure, Dr. EL-Hakim, Dr. Makhoul or Dr. Gigliotti will need to obtain bone from another source. Bone can be acquired from a tissue bank or taken from the patient jaws, hip, or tibia.

Aside from formal bone grafting, there are also other avenues that can help with bone regeneration. Special membranes can be used that dissolve under a patient’s gum and help promote bone regeneration while also protecting the bone graft.

The bone grafting procedure

Depending on the individual situation, grafting may take place either prior to dental implant surgery or in some cases, at the same time as the procedure. If completed prior to implant surgery, it’s usually because the site will require more time to heal properly in order to yield the most aesthetically and functionally appealing outcome. Gum grafting may also be necessary to improve the cosmetic outcome in certain situations.

Bone and soft tissue grafting procedures are commonly performed by our oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. El-Hakim, Dr. Makhoul and Dr. Gigliotti to restore form and function and to facilitate the replacement of missing teeth. Depending on the nature of a clinical condition, type of grafting and location of the graft, the procedure may be carried out under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with or without sedation.

The procedure for a bone graft can differ from patient to patient. Your specific needs, surgery and recovery time will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. You will then be able to determine with your surgeon the procedure and anesthesia that will best serve your bone grafting needs.

Bone grafting recovery

Dr. El-Hakim, Dr. Makhoul and Dr. Gigliotti will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the operated area following your surgery and rest assured you will be prescribed medication to relieve pain and discomfort during the recovery process. Do not brush or floss the area of the graft until instructed to do so. You may be given a special mouth rinse to help keep the area clean and healthy and you will be given a list of food and drink that you are able to eat during your recovery to ensure that you heal properly.

You should be able to return to work a few days after the procedure, however, levels of pain may differ depending on the complexity and location of the graft performed. You will speak about your recovery period with your surgeon prior to the procedure to make sure you only go back to work when you are fully recovered.

Schedule My Appointment!

Not all patients who have periodontal disease need bone grafting and reconstruction, but for those who do, the Maxillo 3 Lacs clinic is there for you. We will do everything in our power to make your smile healthy and to restore full function to your mouth.

If you wish to learn more about the M3L clinic, bone grafting and reconstruction procedures, or to schedule an appointment with us, please contact our clinic now! Call (514) 395-9896 or use our online form.