Bone loss in the jaws and around the teeth may be the result of missing teeth, a congenital anomaly, periodontal disease, or trauma. More than just a detriment to oral health and function, bone loss can also affect one's appearance by nature of the defect or diminished support for the natural contours of the face.
By performing grafting procedures, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help restore the bone to its original dimensions to improve facial esthetics, rebuild tissue support, and restore function. Bone grafting also facilitates the successful placement and longevity of dental implants. Without a bone graft, an insufficient alveolar ridge compromises implant aesthetics, stability, and long-term treatment outcomes.
A bone graft provides the platform or "scaffolding" for new bone growth. Today, bone graft materials come from a variety of sources. Bone for a graft might be collected from another area of the body, harvested from other natural sources, or made of synthetic materials. The choice depends upon the specific needs of the case.
How the graft is performed also varies. One technique, socket preservation, involves the placement of a bone graft directly into an extraction site. We may recommend a ridge expansion procedure when dealing with a horizontal bony insufficiency of alveolar ridges before implant placement. A maxillary sinus lift may be needed if there is insufficient ridge height in the posterior upper jaw. In some cases, a bone graft will include placing a special membrane over the surgical site and under the gum tissue to protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. In cases where significant bony defects are present, an autogenous graft using the patient's bone may be indicated.
