What Are the Main Types of Dental Bone Grafting?

TL;DR:

Dental bone grafting is a key step in the dental implant process when a patient’s jawbone isn’t strong enough to support implants on its own. There are four main types-autograft, allograft, xenograft, and alloplast-each with unique benefits and considerations. Learn more now with Smiles of Cary!

When it comes to restoring missing or extremely decayed teeth, dental implants are usually the best option.

Sometimes, the dental implant process can be completed by putting the implant directly into the existing jawbone. In other cases, the patient might not have a healthy enough jawbone to support implants. In these cases, bone grafting becomes necessary.

That said, not every bone grafting procedure is alike. So, what are your options? We’ll talk about the four most common. But first, let’s backtrack and discuss bone grafting generalities.

What is Dental Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces or regenerates decayed bone tissue with replacement material to provide jaw stability for an implant. The replacement material is usually either from the patient’s body, a donor, an animal source, or a synthetic substitute.

Why does bone grafting work? Simply put, it’s because bone can regenerate completely when given the right scaffold and place to grow.

You might be glad to hear that while many patients worry about dental bone grafting pain, the procedure is usually done under anesthesia. What’s more, discomfort afterward is usually quite manageable with medication.

Here Are the 4 Main Types of Grafts for Dental Implants

Dental bone grafting is usually classified as one of four types of procedure based on the type of material used. You’ll note that we touched upon materials earlier. Here, we link each aforementioned material with the type of procedure and its name.

1. An autograft is bone taken from another part of the patient's own body, such as their chin, jaw, or hip. It is considered the gold standard because it provides the best possible foundation for new bone growth. The only drawback is that it requires a second surgical procedure to harvest the bone.
2. An allograft uses bone from a human donor that's been safely processed. This type of graft is a reliable framework for healing and has the advantage of not needing a second surgical site.
3. A xenograft is typically derived from cow bone and works by mimicking the structure of human bone. It offers durable support that the patient's body slowly replaces with its own bone tissue over time.
4. Alloplasts are synthetic bone substitutes, often made from materials like hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate. They are a safe, resorbable option that primarily acts as a scaffold for new bone growth, and they're especially effective for repairing smaller bone defects.

The Bone Grafting Procedure: What’s Involved?

At Smiles of Cary, regardless of the type of graft/material used, bone grafting is done in one of two ways:

1. Scenario 1 (Immediate Bone Grafting): When teeth are extracted, bone grafts can be placed right into the sockets to preserve bone and prepare for implants. After a 4–6 month healing period, implants and crowns are placed.
2. Scenario 2 (Delayed Bone Grafting): If bone is already lost, a block graft is used to rebuild the area, protected with a membrane. Healing takes 6–9 months before implants and crowns can be placed.

Learn more here under Dental Patient Education > Periodontal Care > Bone Grafting > Scenario I/Scenario II.

What About the Dental Bone Grafting Cost?

Costs vary. Usually, alloplasts are most affordable while autografts are most expensive.

Final Thoughts

Planning for dental implants? Learn about bone grafting options and get expert care at Smiles of Cary, then book your consultation in Cary, NC today!