Bone Grafting

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

In these conditions, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants. 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 functionally and esthetic appearance. Bone grafting is broken into three divisions:

Sinus Lift Procedure - This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing 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.
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, depending on the patient's condition. There are areas in the body suitable for attaining bone grafts such as the jaw, hip or knee. During an implant consultation, issues such as these will be addressed. Pre-operative prescriptions and instructions will be given and explained. Patients are encouraged to ask pertinent questions.

These procedures are performed in-office under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Caregivers and patients are given explicit post-operative instructions for Implant surgery. Swelling and bruising are associated with bone grafting surgeries. After surgery, patients are observed for thirty minutes or until discharge criteria have been met.