No membrane used for graft on tooth #8. Is this normal practice?

Question

I had tooth #8 extracted two weeks ago due to accident, and a graft was placed for future implant. No membrane was used leaving the synthetic graft material exposed. A small chunk of graft material came out yesterday in one clump and I am wondering if this normal? Is the graft supposed to be flush with the bottom of the gum or is this slight crater looking appearance ok? Thank you.

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

For proper guided bone regeneration (GBR) a membrane is always required over particulate bone graft. The only time is can be done without membrane is when using block bone grafts or autogenous block shields. In your case, if particulate (granules of bone graft) was used, a membrane should have been used to both contain the graft and also block the in-growth of epithelium from the gum tissue, which are both critical for success of grafting.

Moris Aynechi, DMD, MD · Answer

Based on the picture you have uploaded, the area seems to be healing well.  As a routine, it is recommenced to use membranes over bone grafts after socket bone grafting.  If the area was over packed, then loss of some grafting material should not have a major consequence.  At this time you should see your doctor as soon as you can and discuss the next steps.

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No membrane used for graft on tooth #8. Is this normal practice?

Answers (2)

DENTAL BONE GRAFT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU