Bone Grafting

In a healthy mouth, a tooth’s root works to stimulate the growth of new bone through chewing. For patients who are missing a tooth—especially for a long time—there is a lack of stimulation, and bone loss occurs. Untreated tooth loss is a common reason for bone loss; however, gum disease, facial trauma, and tumors can all contribute to loss of bone in the jaws.

For many patients experiencing tooth loss, dental implants can offer an ideal tooth replacement solution. Dental implants are a complete tooth replacement option because they replace the tooth’s root, which preserves the health of the jaw bone. In addition, they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, we encourage you to explore our Dental Implants page to learn more.

Sometimes, the bone loss is too severe to support a dental implant. However, a surgical procedure called a bone graft can restore lost bone and allow many more patients to become successful candidates to receive a dental implant. Bone grafting procedures are also used as a part of other oral surgery treatments, such as facial trauma.

Types of Bone Grafting

A bone grafting procedure works by applying granulated bone material (or other healing agents) directly to the site where more bone is needed. Over time, this material will become new bone. The material used in a bone graft can be sourced from a tissue bank or even another part of your body.

The type of treatment plan that is right for you will determine the type of bone grafting treatment you will receive. Types of bone grafting procedures include the following:

• Sinus lifts. The maxillary sinus cavity is located just behind the cheekbones, and the bone that separates the upper jaw from this cavity is very thin. If more bone is needed, especially for a patient who requires an upper implant, a sinus lift is a common procedure. Dr. Martin will carefully lift the sinus and place a bone graft beneath it. The extra bone thickens the wall between mouth and sinus cavity, creating a stable base to secure dental implants.
• Socket preservation. After a tooth is lost or extracted, a bone graft is placed into the empty tooth socket to expedite healing and preserve the site for a subsequent dental implant placement. Once the bone graft has healed properly and integrated with your natural bone, a dental implant can be placed to restore the missing tooth site.
• Ridge expansion. The ridge of bone that surrounds the upper and lower teeth is known as the alveolar ridge. A ridge expansion adds height and/or width to the ridge as needed.
• Major bone grafting. Patients who are experiencing severe bone loss due to injury, gum disease, tumor, or birth defect may require a major bone grafting procedure, in which a large amount of bone is restored or replaced.
• Nerve repositioning. The alveolar nerve provides feeling to the chin, lower jaw, lower teeth, and lower lip. If a dental implant needs to be positioned near this nerve, a nerve repositioning procedure may be recommended.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting procedures are used as a part of many oral surgery treatments, including dental implant treatment. Please contact Placer Oral & Dental Implant Surgery if you need a bone graft, dental implant, or have any other oral surgery needs.