PROCEDURES

Bone Grafting

Major and Minor Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is 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.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. 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 esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as sinus lifts, and ridge-augmentations and socket width-alveolar ridge preservation.

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Sinus lift procedure

This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.

Ridge-augmentation

In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.

These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individuals condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. Rarely in more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip.

Socket width - Alveolar Ridge Preservation

Bone grafting is a common surgical procedure to help regrow bone. In a bone grafting procedure to preserve the socket width or alveolar ridge width, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon places a grafting material into the extraction socket below your gum so new bone can grow.

There are several different types of materials including Bio-oss and PerioGlas available for bone grafting of the socket. Bio-Oss is a safe and effective bone graft material from specially processed bovine sources. Because of its similarity to human bone, Bio-Oss is highly successful in helping new bone form. It acts as a framework into which bone-forming cells migrate. As these cells travel along Bio-Oss framework, healthy new bone is formed and the defect is repaired. Over time the newly formed bone will replace much of the Bio-Oss material.

PerioGlas is also a bone replacement material that is man-made and is proven safe and effective in helping to treat extraction sockets. It is composed of materials that your body needs to help grow new healthy bone and will dissolve away as new bone growth occurs. It enhances your body's natural ability to grow new bone.

These surgeries are usually performed in the office surgical suite or the hospital under I.V. sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's medical history. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.