Bone Grafting

Impairments of the jawbone can be caused in areas where teeth are missing. As a result, the jawbone can deteriorate and change your facial structure, making it unsuitable for a dental implant. Fortunately, modern oral surgery can repair damaged and deteriorated bones in preparation for dental implants, restoring functionality and esthetic appearance.

Thanks to advances in modern technology, your dentist will select a bone grafting technique that rebuilds bone structure safely and effectively while, if needed, creates ample space to accommodate dental implants.

Here is an overview on the types of bone grafting procedures:

Major Bone Grafting

Major bone grafts are used to repair implant sites where a previous extraction has taken place or severe bone deterioration has resulted from injury or gum disease. The bone is obtained from a tissue bank taken from the jaw or larger bones like the hip. To replace bone in the upper jaw, sinus bone grafts are performed. Special membranes are sometimes used to dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft and encourage regeneration.

Minor Bone Grafting

Minor bone grafts are used to repair defects in the jaw which are usually caused by traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. If the jaw has a significant amount of deterioration, areas of bone harvest will be the skull, hip or lateral knee.

Ridge Expansion

Ridge expansions are performed when the ridge is reabsorbed and needs an increase in height or width. This type of bone graft is designed to restore lost bone dimension when the ridge is too thin to place an implant. With this procedure. The ridge of the jaw is expanded by mechanical means, allowing the bone graft to be placed and mature for a few months before the implant can be placed.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

• Rebuilds bone structure
• Creates a stable foundation for dental implants
• Can prevent further bone loss
• Safe and effective for most patients
• Preserves facial structure
• Improves candidacy for dental implants

Undergoing a Bone Graft Procedure

Your surgery may be scheduled several months prior to dental implant surgery so there is enough time for the bone to heal. Thus, dental bone grafts are typically performed under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation so you can completely relax during your surgery.

Thanks to bone grafting, your worries about replacing lost teeth can be alleviated. This popular form of dental reconstruction is a safe and effective way to repair your smile. For more information about cone grafting call at for a consultation.