Bone Grafting

Some people do not have enough healthy natural bone to support dental implants.  This insufficiency can be caused by:

  • Gum disease
  • When a tooth doesn't develop
  • Wearing dentures that rest on the gums
  • Trauma from an accident
  • After a tooth is removed and efforts are not made to restore the bone

Bone grafting is a safe and highly successful procedure when approached in the correct way that involves the “building up” or adding bone to the jaw . Several bone augmentation techniques are available to rebuild insufficient bone.  If successful it can provide a reliable foundation for implant-supported teeth and assist with restoring your smile and profile.  

When a tooth requires extraction it is important to plan the extraction carefully using Xray images and techniques such as immediate socket regeneration. If planned carefully socket regeneration also known as immediate socket grafting, will allow the bone and gum to be supported as they heal and more extensive bone augmentation procedures such as block bone grafting can be avoided.  

During your consultation appointment, ask us about the advantages of different bone grafting methods and materials so that, together, you can make an informed decision.

Autogenous block bone grafting (block of bone is self donated)

When there is significant horizontal (width) bone loss to allow the placement of dental implants, the use of block grafting procedure are very effective.  Blocks donated by self (the patient) are often from the chin area, occasionally from the side of the jaw and occasionally from the hip area.

 

 

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation or Sinus Elevation)

When the back teeth in the upper jaw are missing, over a period of time the bone can resorb and make the sinus cavity appear larger.  A sinus lift is a bone-augmentation procedure for patients who have insufficient natural bone in this area for dental implant placement. The procedure involves adding bone below the sinus so that one or more implants can be placed.

After the bone has been given time to develop (from 6 to 12 months) dental implants can be placed. Sinus augmentation is designed to help ensure that your implants are long-lasting, with surrounding bone that will allow your new teeth to fit and function like healthy, natural teeth.

 

Want know more or book an appointment? Please contact us.