Bone grafting or bone tissue transplantation is a surgical technique used to fix the problems associated with the bones and joints. Apart from transplanting the bones damaged due to trauma or problem joints, it is also used for growing bone from an implanted device like total knee replacement (in case of bone or fracture). It fills the missing bone area or gives support by providing structural stability to the bone.
The bone used during the transplantation procedure is typically acquired from the other parts of the patient’s body, from a donor, or is entirely synthetic.
Types of Bone Graft
The type of grafting depends on the kind of patient’s injury. The most common types of bone grafts:
- Allograft: A procedure where the bone is used from a deceased donor or a cadaver. It is commonly used in the case of hip, knee, or long bone reconstruction like arms or legs.
- Autograft: A procedure where the bone is taken from your other body parts such as ribs, hips, pelvis, or wrist. Unlike organ transplants, this transplant involves bone with no living cells. The procedure does not require matching blood types between donor and recipient, reducing the risk of rejection.
Why is Bone Grafting Performed?
Bone grafting is performed for various reasons, including injury or disease. Following are the four main reasons for performing bone grafting:
- In case of multiple or complex fractures or when the healing is invisible after the initial treatment.
- Fusion (often done on the spine) enables two bones to heal together across a diseased joint.
- To recover the surgically implanted devices like joint replacements, plates, or screws.
- Regeneration is used when the bone is lost due to disease, infection, or injury.
How to prepare for Bone Grafting?
Your dental surgeon will perform a complete medical history and physical examination prior to your surgery. Therefore, you must inform your dentist about any medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements that you are taking. To prevent any complications under anesthesia, you may be advised to fast before the surgery. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about what to do before, after, and on the date of surgery.
After Bone Grafting
Bone transplant recovery depends on various variables, including the graft size. However, the recovery duration can range anywhere between two weeks to more than a year. You may need to abandon your vigorous physical activities until your doctor approves. After surgery, it is recommended to apply ice and place your arm or leg in an elevated position. This eliminates the risk of swelling, pain, or blood clots in your leg. As a thumb rule, keep your surgical area (Arm or leg) above the level of your heart.
Tip- One of the fundamental aspects of quick recovery is quitting smoking, which will improve your health after the surgery and beyond.
About us
If you are looking for a comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery practice, then Premier Oral Surgery is your one-stop destination. We aim to provide high-quality care to all patients. We offer all types of oral surgeries, including bone grafts, wisdom teeth removal, cone beam ct scan, and implant placement. Our highly skilled professionals consist of CPR-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants. To book an appointment, call us at our phone number 203-939-9390. You can also get in touch by email at info@premieroralsurgeryct.com.
