Surgical Procedures

Bone grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is 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.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, and it also gives us a chance to more effectively restore esthetic appearance and functionality.

Loss of jawbone is not a result of age or “father time.” We only lose bone when teeth are removed and dental implants are not placed. The bone resorbs from lack of stimulation. Bridgework that replaces teeth or dentures that merely rest on gum tissue are not sufficient to prevent us from losing jawbone and preserving facial contours. When implants are used to replace lost teeth or anchor dentures, bone loss does not continue. No longer are elderly patients forced to live with a “sunken face” when their dentures are removed. With the advent of implants as the most predictable dental alternative created, bridgework and dentures must always be the second option offered by dentists to replace teeth.

Bone Grafting MultiMedia

For a brief narrated overview of the bone grafting process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window.

Click here to launch the MiniModule

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