Bone Grafting
 Why?
Bone is the foundation for teeth and implants. It is necessary to have enough width and height of bone to support a strong, healthy and long lasting implant. Sometimes a patient may not have enough bone in the jaw to support an implant. The bone may have been lost as a result of infection, disease, or simply from atrophy and pressure from dentures. In such cases a bone graft may be necessary before an implant can be placed.
How?
Most bone grafting procedures are minor and can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and sedation. Bone grafting is a routine and highly predictable procedure. Down time after surgery is minimal and can vary between 2 to 4 days depending on the size of the graft and the donor site.
Bone grafting can be done using your own bone or substitutes such as synthetic bone, banked bone, or calcium based materials from natural sources that your body can convert into new bone. Your surgeon will discuss and advise the best option for your case.
In selected cases, your surgeon will recommend advanced and innovative methods such as the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to enhance the outcome of your case.
Special Types of Bone Grafting:
 Sinus lift procedure:
This procedure involves an office based procedure where a bone graft is done in the back part of the upper jaw to provide a strong foundation for dental implants. It may be needed in some patients if the sinus is too low. The surgeon merely “lifts” the membrane in the sinus so the bone can be placed where it is needed. Your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail.
Ridge augmentation:
Ridge augmentation is simply a bone and/or tissue graft in the area of missing teeth in order to provide a stronger and natural looking appearance to the gums and jaw for implants or bridge work. Your surgeon will assist you in selecting the procedure that best suits your needs.
Nerve-repositioning to place implants:
In some patients, the sensory nerves to the lips may be in the way of placing implants. In such cases your surgeon may recommend repositioning the nerve in order to make room for implants. This procedure is rarely necessary. If needed, your surgeon will discuss it with you and explain risks and benefits.
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