What is Alveolar bone augmentation?

Alveolar bone augmentation is the process of rebuilding the bone. Patients with insufficient healthy and natural bone to support dental implants may need to undergo bone augmentation before receiving implants.

The aim of surgery is to provide a sound structure where dental implants can be placed and secured in the alveolar bone area (part of the jaw that holds the teeth). The augmentation is most commonly done with a bone graft. A bone graft involves placing bone graft material to the existing bone in the jaw, which adheres to it to form new bone.

Procedure

Modern bone grafting is generally a painless, minimally invasive procedure usually completed in your Maxillofacial surgeon's office. To start the process, Prof. Hendricks administers a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Next, an incision in the gum tissue is made to expose the bone. He then attaches the bone graft material to the exposed bone in the mouth, and then the area is sutured to seal the gum tissue. As new bone grows, it replaces the graft material, which is absorbed completely.

Aftercare

After undergoing bone augmentation, Prof. Hendricks will give you oral care instructions to follow while you wait for the new bone to regenerate. The new bone can take a few weeks up to nine months to heal. You will need to heal completely before dental implants can be placed.

During the healing process, you may not be able to eat certain foods. Prof. Hendricks may recommend that you rinse with a mouthwash. He may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to alleviate discomfort.