Sometimes the jawbone isn’t dense enough to provide a stable base for an implant, and we have to augment it first. In this post, we look at allografts vs. autografts to help you make an informed decision. 

The Need for Bone Grafting in Surrey, BC

The density of the jawbone changes over time. This can be a natural part of aging as bone reabsorption outpaces new formation or the result of hormone changes. It can also result from chronic gum disease or tooth loss. Whatever the cause, the jaw isn’t strong enough to support the titanium screw of an implant. 

Dentists overcome this issue with dental bone grafting in Surrey, BC. 

Autografts and the Surgical Procedure

With this dental bone graft process, we use bone taken from your own body, usually the jaw or chin. Because it’s your own tissue, your body readily accepts it, making it a highly reliable procedure. The body doesn’t need to adapt to foreign material, so there are no tissue compatibility issues, which improves early graft stability. 

The downside is that it means an extra surgical procedure to harvest the bone and an extra treatment site. This delays recovery and can lead to more discomfort. 

Allografts and Tissue Compatibility

Here, we use bone sourced from a human donor. The material is carefully processed and sterilized to remove living cells while preserving the mineral structure. 

Even without living cells, tissue compatibility remains high. The processed graft acts as a framework that supports new bone growth. Over time, the body replaces this material with natural bone.

This is a very convenient technique, as there’s no need for two procedures. 

Graft Integration and Healing Time

This refers to how well the material bonds with your existing bone. Autografts tend to integrate more quickly because they contain living tissue and biological signals that promote healing. 

Allografts follow a slower path. The body gradually remodels the graft, replacing it with new bone. This process works effectively but may involve a longer or more gradual healing time.

Healing varies between patients. Overall health, bone quality, and the size of the graft all influence how quickly integration occurs.

Donor Site and Recovery Considerations

One of the clearest differences between these options is the presence of a donor site. Autografts require bone to be taken from another part of the body, which creates an additional area that must heal.

This can lead to temporary soreness and a longer recovery period. Allografts avoid this entirely, making them appealing to patients who prefer a less invasive method.

Choosing the Right Approach

Both graft types are widely used in implant dentistry and deliver reliable results. We may choose autografts when you need strong biological support, especially in complex cases. Allografts are commonly used for routine procedures where convenience and reduced surgical impact are priorities.

The decision depends on your needs, and we evaluate these carefully before making a final recommendation. We’ll discuss your treatment goals and recovery expectations first, whether that involves speeding up healing or using a less invasive procedure. 

Call New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery at 604-507-0514 to discuss allografts vs. autografts. 

Dental implants are a reliable way to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. But people don’t realize that treatment carries on long after we place the implant. 

There are several stages of dental implant healing, each supporting the replacement’s long-term stability. The entire process takes a few months as the surrounding bone and tissue adapt to your new implant until it eventually acts like a natural tooth. 

Understanding what happens during recovery means that you know what to expect and realize how important aftercare is. 

Learn More About Dental Implants in Surrey, BC

Have you lost teeth? Speak to the team at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery to learn more about dental implants in Surrey, BC, and how they can correct tooth loss. We walk you through each procedure step by step to ensure the best results.

Dental Implant Placement Surgery

Your healing journey begins with dental implant placement surgery. During this procedure, we insert a titanium implant post into the space in your jawbone where the missing tooth once sat. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root that will eventually support a crown.

We’ll use a local anesthetic so you don’t feel a thing, but sedation is also possible if you’re particularly anxious about the procedure. The area will swell slightly and feel a little sore for a few days afterward, though patients can easily manage these symptoms with the medication and follow-up tips we prescribe. 

As your body begins to repair the surgical site and adapt to your new implant, it increases blood flow to the area. Keeping it clean helps speed up the healing process. 

Soft Tissue Healing

During this stage, which takes place about one or two weeks later, you can expect to feel the gums closing around the implant and forming a protective seal.

You will need to maintain good oral hygiene at this stage by gently brushing and carefully rinsing to prevent infection. You should also avoid hard or crunchy foods while your gums are still sensitive. 

Healthy gum tissue supports the stability of the implant and helps prevent infection during this critical healing stage.

Osseointegration Process

One of the most important phases of recovery is osseointegration, when the jawbone fuses with the titanium implant. The bone gradually grows around the implant surface, creating a stable foundation that can withstand normal chewing.

Osseointegration takes time, usually about three to six months. The exact timeline depends on factors such as bone quality, overall health, and whether you need additional procedures.

Once the implant becomes fully integrated with the bone, it behaves much like a natural tooth root. This stability allows the final restoration to function comfortably for many years.

Bone Graft Healing

Some patients require bone grafting to promote healing before or alongside implant treatment. This may be necessary if your jawbone isn’t dense enough to properly support the implant. During this procedure, we place graft material in the jaw to rebuild the lost bone structure. 

Over time, the body builds new bone to replace the graft, and this can take several months. You’ll need to wait for this process to finish before getting your implant so that it has a strong base. The next stage of dental implant healing is where the new bone grows around the titanium. 

Healing Abutment Placement

After the implant has integrated with the bone, it’s time to place the healing abutment. This is a small connector piece that attaches to the implant and extends above the gumline. This component helps shape the surrounding gum tissue so it can properly support the final crown. 

Your gums will usually feel a little tender for a few days afterwards as the tissue adjusts, but within a few weeks, the gums will settle around the abutment, and you’ll have a natural-looking contour. 

Final Crown Placement

This final step is where we create a custom crown to match the colour, size, and shape of the surrounding teeth. Once it’s in place, it acts like a natural tooth, meaning you can chew comfortably and smile with confidence. 

With proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits, your implant can remain strong and stable for many years.

Schedule a Consultation

Healing from a dental implant is a multi-step process, so you need a professional team that will plan carefully and provide expert care during each phase. Call New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery at 604-507-0514 to discuss dental implant benefits and get the expert care you deserve.