procedures
Major &Amp; Minor Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there are poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
procedures
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip, or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia) are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Procedure FAQ
Questions About Bone Grafting
Why might bone grafting be recommended?
Bone grafting may be recommended when the jawbone needs additional support for future dental implant placement or when bone volume has been affected by tooth loss, infection, trauma, or other conditions.
Is bone grafting part of every implant plan?
No. Bone grafting depends on the amount and quality of available bone, the treatment goals, and the surgeon's findings after examination and imaging.
How is the right bone grafting approach selected?
The approach is selected after reviewing the location, amount of bone needed, medical history, imaging, and the broader treatment plan.
