Bone Grafting Procedures

Bone grafting can prepare implant sites that have inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, infection, or injury. Our doctors have the ability to graft bone where it is needed to eventually place implants of proper length, width and position to restore function and aesthetic appearance. Typical grafting procedures include: site preservation grafts, sinus lift grafts, particulate bone grafts, split ridge grafts, block bone grafts and the use of platelet rich plasma.

Site Preservation Grafts

The site preservation graft is the most common graft performed at our office. This graft is generally performed at the same time as tooth extraction. After extraction the site is packed with a bone graft preventing bone resorption and ensuring sufficient bone for future dental implant placement. Once the graft has matured the dental implant can be placed. This is a simple procedure with no significant post-operative discomfort.

 

Sinus Lift –Sinus Augmentation Graft

This procedure helps to restore the maxillary bone in preparation for possible implant placement of a missing tooth or teeth. This procedure regains the lost bone height in the area of the upper molars and premolars due to previous extractions and an enlarged sinus. It is an important procedure as it allows dental implant placement in an area that would not be otherwise treated due to insufficient bone height. An incision is made just above where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus cavity has a membrane that is gently lifted and the graft is inserted where the implant will be placed. Once the graft has matured the implant can be placed.

Particulate Bone graft

The particulate bone graft is essentially particles of bone that are placed in the area of the proposed dental implant to enhance the height and width of bone. Once the graft has matured the implant can be placed.

Split Ridge Graft

The split ridge graft is used when there is sufficient height but insufficient bone width in the proposed implant site. With this technique the thin bone is expanded and graft material is placed and matured prior to implant placement.

Block Bone Grafts

The block bone graft is used when there is insufficient height and width of bone in the area of desired implant placement. This technique requires harvesting a section of bone from elsewhere in your mouth for placement in the area of the missing tooth or teeth.