A bone graft may be required to create a stable base for dental implant placement; especially in the event of a previous tooth extraction where the socket dimensions exceed the implant size, the bone may not be strong and stable enough for immediate tooth replacement.
Periodontal disease and/or previous trauma are the leading causes of bone loss in the oral cavity. The bone grafting procedure is an excellent way to replace lost bone tissue and encourage natural bone growth. Bone grafting is a versatile and predictable procedure which fulfills a wide variety of functions.
Reasons for bone grafting
There are a wide variety of reasons why bone grafting may be the best option for restoring the jaw bone.
Dental implants – Implants are the preferred replacement method for missing teeth because they restore full functionality to the mouth; however, implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be effective. If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, bone grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site. In the case of a tooth extraction this is called socket preservation in order to ensure future implant success.
Sinus lift – A sinus lift entails elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so that implants can be securely placed with a high degree of predictable primary stability.
Ridge augmentation – Ridges in the bone can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects or severe periodontal disease. The bone graft is used to fill in the ridge and make the jawbone a uniform shape.
What does bone grafting treatment involve?
Bone grafting is a fairly simple procedure which may be performed under Iv sedation and local anesthetic; however if large amounts of bone area need to be grafted, general anesthetic may be required in a hospital setting.
In some cases the grafting material needs to either be mobilized from the patient or provided by a tissue bank for insertion. A small incision is made in the gum tissue and then gently separated from the bone. The bone grafting material is then placed at the affected site.
The gum is sutured in place and a follow up appointment will need to be made within 10 days to assess progress. Bone grafting is a highly successful treatment and a good base for further implant placement, usually 6 months post operativly.
If you have any questions about bone grafting, please ask give us a call at 250.890.0055.