How long does an Invisalign treatment take?

An Invisalign treatment can take anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. It will depend on your existing teeth positioning and how far they need to move. Find out how long during your appointment with our orthodontist.

Will I need to wear retainers after Invisalign treatment?

Yes. It’s crucial to your treatment you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment until your orthodontic tells you otherwise.

How long do the aligners have to be in my mouth?

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day for perfect results. After that, patients repeat this until completion (between 6 months and 3 years). After that, your Invisalign dentist will be able to explain the treatment in detail.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Any pressure or movement on your teeth may cause discomfort. However, this is uncommon. And it mainly occurs on the first day of wearing a new Invisalign. Australia puts high importance on oral health and comfort. Raise ongoing pain or discomfort with your Invisalign provider.

How much does Invisalign cost compared to braces?

Knowing how much is Invisalign and braces is vital. We can explain the costs of both at our first meeting. Invisalign, braces and other orthodontic treatments have pros and cons. And the value of each is subjective. If you would like to know your options, we can help.

How do I choose the right Invisalign provider?

When searching for 'Invisalign near me', always read and follow what Invisalign reviews say. There you'll see who takes civic gentle dental care seriously. And check out the gallery of each Invisalign provider.

How do I know if an Invisalign treatment is right for me?

In the Invisalign vs braces debate, many things are considered. There's the Invisalign price, treatment time and look. Your dental needs are unique. And our Invisalign dentists can provide expert recommendations.

Dental Bone Graft Melbourne

By Dr. Minoo Ghamari

For many clients, a dental bone graft is the first step to their dream smile. The bone graft adds density and volume to the jaw where bone loss has occurred. This strengthens the jaw and allows for dental implants to be installed, which can fill gaps in your smile and replace decaying teeth. Before you know it, you have a healthier jaw and a new smile—what more could you ask for?

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What is a dental bone graft?

A dental bone graft involves adding volume and density to your jaw in areas where you have had bone loss. Bone graft material can be taken from your own body, purchased from a human or animal tissue bank, or, in some cases, used synthetic material.

The materials are added to your jawbone and hold space for your body to get to work, growing and regenerating tissue to add volume to your jawbone. A fuller jawbone allows for more structure and support for dental implants, helping you create your perfect smile.

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How much does a dental bone graft cost in Melbourne?

A dental bone graft can cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case. You might also have additional costs to pay for further work, like dental implants. Here at Gorgeous Smiles, we know how important the perfect smile is and offer several payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your dental bone graft. You can speak to one of our dentists or arrange a consultation to hear more about our payment options.

Dental bone graft treatment process

A dental bone graft treatment follows three simple steps. Depending on your specific case, the treatment process might be adjusted, but your dentist will explain these to you during your consultation.

Step 1 - Dental bone graft consultation

The treatment begins with a consultation, during which your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. X-rays or scans will also determine the extent of bone loss around your jaw.

During the consultation, your dentist will discuss your options, ask about your desired outcomes, and create a treatment plan to help you achieve your new smile. They will also discuss pricing and a specific timeline and answer any questions you have about the treatment.

Step 2 - Bone graft surgery

Depending on availability and the complexity of your case, the surgery can take place quickly after the consultation. It varies in time, with minor cases taking just over an hour.

Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic or sedate you. An incision will be made in your gums, and the tissue will be moved back to expose the jawbone.

Your jawbone is cleaned and disinfected before the bone grafting material is added to repair the area. A membrane is often added to provide additional protection and cover the area. The gum tissue is repositioned, and the incision is closed with stitches.

Step 3 - Dental bone graft aftercare

After the surgery, you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and pain. Painkillers and antibiotics are often prescribed to reduce the chance of infection.

Over the next few days, you might notice small fragments of bone coming out of the graft area, looking like grains of salt or sand. It usually isn't a cause for concern, but speak to your dentist to ensure you are healing properly. You should continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

What is the dental bone graft treatment procedure?

A dental bone graft treatment is a small surgery in which additional volume and density are added to your jaw bone. There are four main types of dental bone grafts, outlined below.

Socket preservation

Otherwise known as ridge preservation, this graft is placed in the socket immediately after a tooth extraction. It fills the gap after a tooth is removed, preventing the sides of the socket from caving in before an implant is placed in the gap.

Ridge augmentation

Ridge augmentation helps to increase the width and volume of a jawbone, providing a stable foundation for dental implants or other restorative options. It is usually recommended when teeth have been missing for a while, as this can cause the supporting jawbone to become thin.

Sinus lift

Your maxillary sinus sits above your upper back teeth; when these teeth are missing, the sinuses can drop down, invading the space your teeth roots once filled. Adding implants here would penetrate the sinus membrane, so a sinus lift must be performed. This involves raising the sinus back to its position and placing a bone graft under the sinus to ensure it remains in place. The graft also creates a solid foundation for your dental implants later.

Periodontal bone graft

A periodontal bone graft is placed around an existing tooth, reducing mobility and providing additional support where infections from gum disease have eroded the bone supporting the teeth.

Dental bone graft treatment suitability

Dental bone grafts are recommended to clients with bone loss in their jaw caused by gum diseases, tooth extraction, missing teeth, or those who need their gums rebuilt for dentures. They are suitable for most clients, although you are at increased risk of failure if you smoke. Some medical conditions increase the chance of failure, making dental bone grafts unsuitable for you. Your dentist will run through this during your consultation to ensure a bone graft is a suitable choice.

How does a dental bone graft work?

A dental bone graft helps your body repair your jaw. The graft folds space for your body to carry out repairs, like a scaffold. It ensures there is space for your bone tissue to grow and regenerate, increasing its volume and returning your jaw to its original position and thickness.

What are the benefits of a dental bone graft?

Dental bone grafts have a few benefits, listed below:

They increase your eligibility for dental implants
They restore your jaw to its original form after tooth loss, trauma, or gum disease

What can a dental bone graft treatment help fix?

Dental bone grafts add volume and density to weakened or eroded jawbones. They are used commonly to help with the following:

Tooth extraction
To replace a missing tooth with a dental implant
To rebuild the jaw before getting dentures
To repair areas of bone loss caused by gum disease

Dental bone graft vs traditional dental implants

A dental bone graft is typically used before dental implants are added. The bone graft is the first step for clients with bone loss. The graft will strengthen the areas of your jaw bone when the implant is added, ensuring a successful outcome.

A dental bone graft can have a longer recovery time, depending on its complexity, delaying the time it takes for your implant to be added. Both procedures involve work to the jaw bone and anesthetics, making them pain-free treatments. It is better to consider a bone graft as step one for clients with decoration to their jaw bones than as a separate treatment from dental implants.

Meet our team of dentists in Melbourne

Dr. Senote Keriakes

Dr. Tesia

Tatyana Bollweg

Darren Chan

Book in for a dental bone graft consultation at our Melbourne CBD clinic

Dental bone grafts add volume and density to your jaw, helping implants successfully attach and helping you create your dream smile. While they sound painful, you should only experience slight discomfort and can return to eating as normal in a week or so. Our dedicated team is here to help make your dream smile a reality, so why not call our Melbourne clinic to book a consultation for your dental bone graft today?

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Dental Bone Graft FAQs

Is dental bone graft surgery painful?

You might feel discomfort, but dental bone graft surgery should not be painful. For dental bone grafting, anesthesia is provided to numb the area, removing any pain. For extensive grafting, you might also be sedated, where you will experience no pain. You might feel some discomfort after your surgery, but pain relief will be prescribed to help you return to everyday life quickly.

How long does it take to get a dental bone graft?

Minor bone grafting surgeries can take between one hour and one hour and thirty minutes. More extensive surgeries can last a few hours. During your consultation, your dentist will estimate the length of your surgery and whether local anesthesia or sedation will be provided.

Can I pay for a dental bone graft treatment with a payment plan?

Yes, dental bone grafts can be paid with a payment plan. Most dentists, including us at Gorgeous Smiles, will offer several payment plans and financing options, allowing you to spread the cost of your treatment and ensuring you have access to the smile you deserve.

How long does a dental bone graft last?

A dental bone graft can last forever, permanently fusing with your natural jawbone. However, if an implant is not used to replace a missing tooth, the new bone density created by the raft will start to deteriorate. You can expect jawbone loss within the first 12 months when an implant is not added.

Can dental bone grafts fail?

Dental bone grafts have high success rates, but there is a slight chance of failing. Dental bone grafts can fail for smokers or people with certain medical conditions. Before a bone graft occurs, your dentist will examine the possibilities of failure and what can increase the chances to help determine if you are the right candidate. Some common signs of a failed dental bone graft include:

Pus or drainage from the bone graft site
Pain or swelling that worsens after the first week
Gum recession (where the gum pulls away from your teeth)
No improvement in jawbone volume

Is a dental bone graft needed for dental implants?

In most cases, a dental bone graft is not required for implants, providing enough healthy jaw bone for the implants to be attached to. In cases where your bone has deteriorated or there has been an infection, a dental bone graft can be used to strengthen the area and ensure a successful dental implant.

Will I be put to sleep during a dental bone graft treatment?

In most cases, you will be awake for a dental bone graft. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. However, many dental practices will offer sedation, allowing you to be asleep for the treatment. This can be done through general anesthesia for extensive bone grafts to keep you comfortable throughout the surgery.

Can I eat normally with a dental bone graft?

Returning to a regular diet can take time after a dental bone graft. Depending on the extent of your bone graft, you might be recommended to eat soft and non-chewy foods for the first week after your surgery. You can gradually incorporate harder foods as you heal, but chips, seeds, peanuts, and popcorn are not recommended for at least two weeks to prevent an infection.

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