Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This often leaves a poor amount of quality bone left for the placement of dental implants. Today, we can grow new bone where needed through a process called bone grafting. This not only permits us to replace missing teeth with dental implants, but it gives us the opportunity to restore the aesthetic appearance of your jaw and overall facial structure.
Bone grafts 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). 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.
To see if you may need a bone graft, schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon.