Implantation with Bone Augmentation

Patients who have experienced premature tooth loss often hope to fill the gaps with dental implants. Unfortunately, not everyone is immediately eligible for implantation. Often, it is necessary to first prepare the bone structure by performing bone augmentation before placing the implant.

With age, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, poor or improper oral hygiene, and the use of poorly fitted dentures, atrophy of the alveolar bone in the upper jaw and the alveolar part of the lower jaw can occur. If this process is not addressed in time, further atrophy may develop. Many patients assume that they can simply “have an implant placed,” but implantation can only be performed when there is sufficient bone volume and quality to support it.

Bone augmentation for dental implantation is a surgical procedure performed in sterile conditions, with strict adherence to aseptic protocols. The dentist may collect bone material from the patient’s chin or the area behind the molars to perform an autograft, Or they may use prepared bone material from a bone bank or bone substitute materials (synthetic).

The primary indications for bone regeneration surgery include loss of the alveolar ridge or the need to place dental implants in areas with bone defects.

Bone augmentation for dental implants is also performed in the following cases:

• Periodontal pockets
• Periodontitis
• Prosthetic restoration of molars.

Unfortunately, bone augmentation is not suitable for all patients.

In some cases, the potential complications may outweigh the procedure's benefits. Bone grafting is not performed in cases of severe alveolar ridge loss, such as in edentulous patients who have gone years without wearing dentures, or in individuals who neglect oral hygiene.

Several types of biomaterials are used in dental surgery for bone regeneration, selected individually for each patient. These include:

• Autogenous bone – material harvested from the patient’s jawbone (most commonly);
• Homogenous bone – material from a bone bank or foreign donors (with a risk of graft rejection);
• Xenograft – properly processed animal-derived bone material;
• Alloplastic materials – organic or inorganic synthetic bone substitutes.

It is generally believed that autogenous bone, taken from the patient's own body, is the best option. However, the use of the above materials can also yield satisfactory and long-lasting results.

Proper prosthetic treatment often requires bone reconstruction with implants. Patients are often frightened when they hear that surgery is necessary.

However, bone augmentation is carried out under local or, rarely, general anaesthesia, making the procedure painless. Only after the anaesthesia wears off might the patient experience some discomfort, such as swelling, pain, or a strange sensation in the mouth. However, dentists always inform patients in advance and usually prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics to support healing, reduce discomfort, prevent infection, and minimise the risk of complications or failure.

The cost of bone augmentation for implants depends on several factors. The price is influenced by the condition of the bone tissue, the extent of alveolar bone loss, the state of the site where the tooth is missing, and the goal of augmentation. Pricing also takes into account the type of grafting material, the number of teeth to be treated, and the specialist who will perform the procedure. At the 'Sa-Nata' dental clinic network, specialists focus on each individual case, ensuring patient comfort and providing a highly personalised approach free from routine. You can book a consultation by phone or by using the online contact form on the website.