Bone Grafting: Overview

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Many times due to progressive disease, infection or trauma, bone and soft tissue are lost in areas around the teeth. This process is accelerated when teeth are lost or removed and nothing is done to replace the stimulation that a tooth root provides to preserve the jawbone. Bone grafting can repair these types of situations and areas of inadequate bone structure. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance. Depending upon the size of the defect, and the location within the mouth, this can be done easily in the office, often at the same time as placement of dental implants.

Major Bone Grafting

There are situations that arise when a larger bone graft must be done to augment the ridge for implants. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw. 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 osseointegration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.