Consent for Bone Graft Surgery

A bone graft adds bone where it has been lost, so that there is enough healthy bone to support implants or other treatment. Graft material is placed under the gum, on or in the jawbone, and over time your body replaces it with new bone. Your dentist has examined your mouth and explained other options. Having tried or considered them, you would like a bone graft to help support replacement teeth.

Your dentist will complete the graft plan with you. It covers:

• Graft material: your own bone (autograft), processed donor bone (allograft), a synthetic substitute (alloplast), animal-derived bone (xenograft), or a collagen or barrier membrane.
• If your own bone is used, where it will be taken from: the chin, an area of missing teeth, the back of the upper jaw, the back of the lower jaw, or another site.
• The area to be grafted: the upper jaw, the lower jaw, an area of missing teeth, or the sinus.
• Setting: in our office or in hospital.

• pain, swelling, bruising and infection;
• numbness of the lip, tongue, chin, cheek or teeth, which may last for an unknown time and may be permanent;
• inflammation of a vein where an IV was placed;
• damage to nearby teeth, a fracture of the jaw, or an opening into the sinus;
• slow healing; and
• allergic reactions to medications or materials.

No one can predict exactly how gum and bone will heal. Grafted bone reshapes itself as it heals and may shrink, so more grafting may be needed. Sometimes a graft does not join to the existing bone, or not enough new bone grows into it, and it must be removed, possibly with further surgery. If that happens, other ways of replacing teeth may need to be considered.

Smoking, heavy alcohol use and poorly controlled blood sugar slow healing and lower the chance of success.

Bone loss may continue, with gum inflammation, infection, sensitivity and loosening of teeth that may lead to their removal. Jaw joint problems, headaches, and aching or tired face and neck muscles are also possible. Over time, it may become impossible to place a graft or implants.

• Your dentist will choose the most suitable type of anaesthesia and discuss it with you.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours, or until the effects of any anaesthesia or medication have fully worn off.
• Follow your home-care instructions and attend all follow-up examinations.
• Let us know within two weeks if your address or phone number changes.