[Learn More About Dental Implants] Understanding Bone Replacement Types and Pre- and Post-operative Precautions (Part 2)
What types of bone-strengthening powder are there?
(1) Autologous bone
Made from bone harvested from the patient, it contains abundant osteoblasts and growth factors, and there is no risk of rejection. However, it may increase the wound area, is easily absorbed, and has poor support.
(2) Allogeneic bone
Made from donated human bones, sterilized, and containing a scaffold to guide bone cell growth, it can be used in large quantities without causing additional wounds.
(3) Xenogeneic bone
Made from animal bone beans such as cow bones and pig bones, it can be used in large quantities, has a slow absorption rate, provides good support, but has a poor ability to guide bone regeneration.
(4) Synthetic bone
This refers to chemically synthesized bone meal, with hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate as its main components. It is easy to obtain in large quantities, does not contain growth factors, has a poor effect on inducing bone formation, and only provides space support.
After the bone graft is filled, the dentist will cover it with a regeneration membrane to protect and stabilize the bone graft. Regeneration membranes are divided into "absorbable" and "non-absorbable". Although non-absorbable regeneration membranes can make vertical or large-area bone grafts more effective, they require a minor surgery to remove the regeneration membrane.
What precautions should be taken before bone grafting surgery?
Smoking can affect blood circulation, indirectly impacting the success rate of bone grafting surgery. Other oral health issues can also affect the outcome of bone grafting surgery. Therefore, it is recommended that patients address their oral health issues before surgery, and patients with a smoking habit are advised to quit smoking before the surgery.
What precautions should be taken after bone grafting surgery?
After bone grafting, it typically takes about four to six months for the bone graft material to fully integrate with the bone before subsequent dental implant surgery can be performed. Vertical bone augmentation requires an even longer waiting period. However, everyone's recovery is different, and it is recommended that a dentist assess the healing status of the alveolar bone before undergoing implant treatment.
After bone grafting, the wound may feel sore and swollen. It is recommended that patients apply ice packs frequently within 24 hours after surgery to reduce initial swelling and discomfort. Take the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by the doctor as prescribed. Within 7 days after surgery, avoid eating foods that are too hard, sticky, or irritating. Avoid licking or pressing the wound with your tongue and avoid touching the wound area when brushing your teeth. If sinus augmentation surgery is performed, avoid sneezing forcefully, blowing your nose, and swimming.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
