Why would I need a bone graft?

In many cases, an individual will not need a bone graft. However, you will need this form of surgery if you are having a dental implant fitted, need to strengthen a fractured bone, and so on. The area of repair will determine the type of bone graft you receive.
An allograft uses bone from a donor usually for leg/arm bones and joints. An autograft uses bone from your own body to repair smaller areas such as the face and jaw. This is generally the method we use when performing bone grafting for a patient

What can prevent bone grafting?

A surgeon will be unable to perform a bone graft if the individual has a sickness or disease that affects the bone. In this case, the bones are too weak to use as a replacement or to strengthen other areas so an alternative method may be used.
If the individual is unwell from a virus or infection this may also delay a bone grafting procedure. For best results, the patient should be in optimal health and ready for surgery with the correct preparations.

How does it benefit me in the long run?
If you have had a fracture a bone graft will improve the stability of the bone around the fracture which will reduce the chance of the bone splitting further or being damaged later on in life.
If you are installing an implant such as a dental implant a bone graft will help to stabilize the base into the jaw ready for the false tooth to be added. This will create a long lasting effect without the worry of the implant coming out and causing damage. In the long run, you may feel that you don’t have an implant at all.

If you require bone grafting for a specific surgery please speak to your doctor about a referral. If you require more information about bone grafting contact us on 07 3724 0319.