Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth can atrophy or become reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants without bone grafting.
Although it is often the case that the destruction of the bone due to gum disease is irreversible, new techniques and materials have been developed to allow the regeneration of bone in a predictable fashion. Enhanced bone grafts will stimulate the body’s own bone to form new bone (Regeneration Technologies). 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 esthetic appearance and preserve teeth.
Major Bone Grafting
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, 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.
