A surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with material from the patient's own body (autograft), an artificial source (alloplast), or a donor (allograft/xenograft) to repair periodontal defects or prepare the jaw for dental implants.
Adequate bone volume is a prerequisite for dental implants. Grafting regenerates the height and width of the alveolar ridge that is lost following tooth extraction.
It is the addition of bone-forming material to the jaw to increase volume and density.
Initial soft tissue healing occurs in 2 weeks. Bone maturation takes 3–4 months for socket preservation and 6–9 months for sinus lifts or major block grafts.
Strict adherence to post-op instructions: avoiding smoking (vasoconstriction delays healing), maintaining oral hygiene, and adequate protein intake.
Identifying small "sand-like" granules in the mouth is normal for the first few days. However, a large void or hole in the gum tissue suggests failure.
If the membrane becomes exposed effectively, bacterial contamination may occur. This requires clinical intervention to remove the membrane or prescribe antibiotics.
A preserved socket maintains volume for 6–12 months. Without the mechanical stimulation of an implant, the bone will eventually begin to resorb again.
A soft, cold/lukewarm diet is required for 24–48 hours (e.g., yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes). Avoid seeds, nuts, and using straws.
Alcohol should be avoided for at least 72 hours as it thins the blood, interfering with clot formation and increasing the risk of bleeding.
Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 3–5 days to prevent elevated blood pressure, which can dislodge the blood clot.
Yes, if the protective clot or membrane is dislodged, dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can occur, though the presence of stitches and membranes often lowers this risk compared to open extractions.