Bone replacement may be a prerequisite for implant placement
Dental bone grafting is often essential for dental implantation
The most modern way to replace missing teeth is dental implantation (insertion of a dental implant). The basic prerequisite for this is the presence of bone material in appropriate quantity and quality. In some cases, the amount of bone has decreased to such an extent that implantation is no longer possible without dental bone replacement.
Avoiding bone grafting, or implants without bone grafting
The stability of teeth is attributed to the proper quantity and quality of bone material. Extraction of a tooth results in tooth loss. Tooth extraction leads to rearrangement of the bone in the affected area, as this region is temporarily not subjected to loading, which is essential for preserving bone quantity.
There are also diseases that have a negative impact on bone quantity and quality. The most common disease that degrades the bone and leads to the loss of our teeth is periodontitis (gum disease, periodontal disease).
The earlier the diseases that lead to the destruction of the periodontium are detected, the greater the likelihood that subsequent bone replacement interventions can be avoided through appropriate and timely treatments.
Bone grafting can also be avoided if, at the time of tooth extraction, the dentist is already consciously planning to place a dental implant at a later date. In this case, it is crucial to remove the tooth gently (atraumatically) while preserving as much bone as possible in the area of the tooth extraction. Our dentists always pay special attention to this.
Dental bone replacement with state of the art bone replacement materials
At Helvetic Clinics, a dental 3D CBCT scan is taken during the implant consultation, after which an experienced implant specialist determines whether and what type of bone substitute is the most appropriate.
Bone grafting is used to replace the missing amount of bone and to promote further bone formation. Successful bone replacement may require the use of natural or artificial bone grafting material. At our facility, we use products from Botiss (Cerabone) and Geistlich (BioOss) of Switzerland, which are bone substitutes of animal origin (xenografts). For more information, please visit the manufacturer's website.
There are also cases in which it is possible to use bone replacement material that is not of animal but of human origin and comes from a living donor.
Choosing the right bone substitute and technique is a task that requires great expertise. It also depends on the location of the dental implant, the degree of bone loss, the type of prosthesis planned and other health conditions.
Types of bone replacement
Bone replacement for the upper jaw
The most common bone replacement intervention on the upper jawbone is the sinus lift. The reason for this is that there is often no bone of sufficient height between the mucous membrane of the facial cavity and the oral cavity, which is essential for dental implants. This form of bone grafting is considered a routine procedure.
The initial bone height depends on whether the procedure is performed in a separate step or simultaneously with the dental implant.
Ridge augmentation
Ridge augmentation may be necessary if the width and/or thickness of the existing bone are insufficient. If specific conditions are met, these procedures can also be carried out in our dentist's office.
The edentulous ridge's volume (height and/or width) is increased during the surgery using either autologous bone—bone taken from the patient's own body—or artificial bone grafting material. A membrane is frequently placed over the bone replacement material.
With regard to the final result, it is extremely important that the operated area does not rupture and become infected. This can typically only be guaranteed by regular check-ups and thorough monitoring. For this reason, these operations are more delicate and require more attention.
Both the upper and lower jaw bones can undergo ridge augmentation.
Bone replacement from the hip bone
If the bone is substantially atrophied or there is another underlying condition, the intervention may be limited to hospital settings or not at all. A hip bone graft is an example of surgery that can be conducted in a hospital setting.
Bone replacement during tooth extraction
After tooth extraction, bone substitute material is used in place of the tooth in alveolar preservation. In this scenario, we want to limit the amount of bone resorption that occurs after tooth extraction.
Overview of the bone replacement process, the bone replacement process
At Helvetic Clinics in Hungary, bone replacement is a carefully thought-out six-step surgical procedure. The thousands of successful bone replacement surgeries attest to the importance of experience in the procedure's effectiveness. Compliance with sanitary requirements is also crucial.
If necessary, bone replacement can also be performed under general anaesthesia.
First step in bone replacement: establishing an accurate diagnosis
A precise diagnosis is the cornerstone of a successful bone grafting procedure. To do so, a 3D digital dental X-ray is required.
Using mild low-dose CT scans, your doctor can determine the exact extent of bone loss and plan the bone replacement process accordingly.
At Helvetic Clinics, we have three state-of-the-art 3D CT scanners, so you do not have to travel to an off-site location to prepare them. The image can be seen on your dentist's monitor within minutes. Learn more about how 3D CT scans are performed here.
Second step: physical examination
After preparing for the 3D CT scan, your dentist will examine you thoroughly and based on these, he will set up the treatment plan for the ideal bone replacement.
The establishment of the diagnosis is therefore followed by precise planning work, the result of which is a written treatment plan. In this easy-to-interpret, graphically represented price quote, your treating physician will suggest what technique he recommends to replace the withered bone and describe in detail what steps it consists of and how much the entire procedure will cost.
The third step of bone replacement: preparing the oral cavity for bone replacement surgery
Before bone replacement, the oral cavity must be prepared for surgery. Your doctor achieves this by treating minor dental problems (e.g. dental fillings are being prepared) and with the help of a dental hygiene treatment (tartar removal), we create a clean and bacteria-free environment for the bone replacement.
The fourth step of bone implantation: performing the painless bone replacement surgery
Bone replacement surgery is performed under local anesthesia , so it is painless. After applying local anaesthetics, a surgeon experienced in the field of oral surgery opens a "window" to the area to be treated. By raising the "window" a few millimeters, a gap is created, into which a bone replacement material (e.g. your own bone) is placed. If necessary, the treated area is covered with a special membrane.
As the last step of the operation, the gums are closed with sutures to ensure problem-free healing.
The fifth step: the healing of the treated area, i.e. the ossification process
The healing time of bone replacement is usually 4-6 months.
The treated area must not be loaded until the healing time has passed, so the implant can only be placed after the healing process is over.
The sixth step: insertion of the implant into the bone substitute area
At the end of the healing period, your doctor will verify the successful healing of the bone graft substitute with the help of a CT scan. After that, the dental implant can be placed.
Learn more about the details of implant placement by clicking here.
Experiences with bone replacement material after bone replacement surgery
Complications such as pain, swelling and tenderness can occur after bone replacement surgery. Due to the side effects of bone replacement, we strongly recommend that you follow your dentist's instructions so that we can reduce the likelyhood of the above complications. Please take the medication as prescribed (painkillers, antibiotics).
It is also very important to cool the affected area (usage of ice pack) to greatly reduce swelling. The area is closed with stitches, which must be removed again, as with wisdom tooth surgery.
Abstaining from smoking after bone grafting is crucial for healing. It has been proven that tobacco smoke impairs the chances of healing. Eating is perfectly possible after a bone graft, but try to chew on the side opposite the operated area if possible.
Cleaning the surgical site is very important. After removing the stitches, the affected area can be cleaned with a soft surgical toothbrush.
Dental bone replacement prices
The cost of dental bone replacement depends on several factors. Simpler bone replacement surgery is less expensive because it requires less specialized equipment used in surgical procedures. Larger, more complicated bone grafts are usually more expensive.
Overall, the cost of bone replacement is determined by the damaged area, its size, the technique used, and the type and amount of bone replacement material used. Bone substitutes are categorised into several price classes, which you can read about at the bottom of this page or on the dental prices page.
In some cases, implant placement is only viable after bone augmentation. To examine the options for bone replacement, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our oral surgery and periodontology experts by calling 053 93 01 323
FAQ - Bone replacement
When is a bone replacement necessary?
In most cases, bone replacement is performed to palce a dental implant when there is insufficient bone for the implant's ideal insertion. In certain circumstances, bone replacement is performed before the dental implant, while in others, it is done concurrently.
Which type of bone replacement material is used?
Animal bone tissue (xenograft), the patient's own bone tissue (autograft), or specifically prepared bone tissue from another person (allograft) can all be utilized for bone replacement. The decision must always be made with the patient's needs in mind, while complying to professional rules.
What symptoms are associated with the surgery?
Given that our bone replacement interventions are always performed under anesthesia, the operation is painless. Bone replacement operations always include surgical interventions. As a result, discomfort associated with oral surgery is common in the days following the treatment. This is usually accompanied by swelling, and the area is slightly sensitive to pressure. Severe pain is uncommon, although some discomfort is to be expected. The process is painless because our bone replacement surgeries are always performed under anaesthesia.
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