Bone Grafting
Individuals with missing teeth may, over time, experience atrophy of the jawbone. This resorption of bone can shift teeth, cause changes to facial structure, and make dental implants difficult. In many cases, patients with jawbone atrophy may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. The good news is, it’s possible to grow bone and create ideal length and width that is well suited for dental implant and aesthetic appearance.
Bone grafting is a frequently used procedure for repairing bone structures damaged by previous tooth extractions, gum disease, tumor surgery, facial trauma or congenital defect. Bone may be sourced from a tissue bank or the patient’s own bone (jaw, hip, tibia, and skull being the most common sources). Additional tissues may be used beneath the gum to promote bone regeneration (guided tissue regeneration). Major bone grafts are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.