Bone Grafting

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone available for suitable placement of dental implants.

Today, through improved techniques and materials, we have the ability to improve the contour, quantity, and, in many cases, the quality of bone. 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.

Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, chin, hip or tibia (below the knee). 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 regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.

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Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair large defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are typically repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are typically performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.

The movie belows shows how we can use guided tissue regeneration along with a ’block graft’ to restore a single tooth defect due to atrophy. It demonstrates a single stage implant placement as well.