Bone Grafting
Major and 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 is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for the conventional placement of dental implants.
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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 lift procedure
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing dental 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. In other cases, a technique called osseodistraction can be used to increase ridge height.
Nerve-repositioning
The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.
These procedures may be performed separately or together with dental implant placement. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for obtaining 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. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip, the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee or from the cranium. Many times we will avoid a second surgical site and use bone donated by an organ donor. This bone is specially processed for grafting techniques making it a safe and effective option in many cases. The results of these grafts compare well to results with the patients own bone.
These surgeries are performed in our outpatient surgical center under I.V. sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.