A bone graft is a surgical procedure used to repair or rebuild bone that has been lost due to injury, disease, or tooth loss. When a tooth is extracted or lost, the surrounding bone may gradually shrink, leading to the need for bone augmentation. Bone grafting helps regenerate the lost bone using either the patient’s bone or a substitute material, providing a strong foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatments.
Types of Bone Grafts
- Autografts: This type of graft uses bone from another part of the patient’s own body, such as the hip, ribs, or other bones. It is highly effective because the bone comes from the patient, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Allografts: Allografts involve using donor bone tissue from a bone bank. This method eliminates the need for a second surgical site on the patient, offering convenience while still supporting bone regeneration.
- Synthetic Bone Grafts: These grafts are made from ceramics or bioactive glass. They are designed to mimic the properties of real bone and effectively promote bone growth and healing.
Bone grafting is a crucial step in restoring bone structure and preparing for procedures like dental implants.
