Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as restoring extraction sites, dental implants and sometimes in preparation for bridge work.
In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth and width of the jawbone at the implant site. When the jawbone has receded or has sustained significant damage, the implant(s) cannot be supported on this unstable foundation and bone grafting is usually recommended for the planned restoration.
There are several major factors that affect jaw bone volume:
*Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease can affect and permanently damage the jaw bone that supports the teeth. Affected areas progressively worsen until the teeth become unstable.
*Tooth Extraction(s) – Studies have shown that patients who have experienced a tooth extraction subsequently lose 40-60% of the bone surrounding the extraction site during the following three years. Loss of bone results in what is called a “bone defect”.
*Injuries and Infections – Dental injuries and other physical injuries resulting from a blow to the jaw can cause the bone to recede. Infection can also cause the jaw bone to recede in a similar way.
Reasons for Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a highly successful procedure in most cases. It is also a preferable alternative to having missing teeth, diseased teeth or tooth deformities. Bone grafting can increase the height or width of the jawbone and fill in the voids and defects in the bone.
There are essentially two basic ways in which bone grafting can positively impact the health and stability of the jaw and surrounding teeth.
Jaw Stabilization - Bone grafting stabilizes and helps restore the jaw foundation for restorative or implant surgery. Deformities can also be corrected and the restructuring of the bone can provide added support.
Preservation – Bone grafting can be used to limit or prevent bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.
What Does Bone Grafting Involve?
There are several types of bone grafts that can be placed. In our office we believe that Allograft Bone from a cadaver or bone harvested from your own body are the most likely to succeed over time.
The bone grafting procedure itself is done in a single appointment but the integration process will take several months for your body to complete. Bone is either harvested from your own body or obtained from an outside source and added to the designated sight. This newly placed bone will integrate with the existing bone. A migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass making a solid platform to anchor the implant(s).
Approximately 4 months after your bone graft is placed it will be ready to have your implant(s) or other restoration placed.