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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.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. Some of the graft procedures we offer are sinus lift, socket/ridge preservation, and ridge-augmentation.
Sinus lift procedure
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.
Socket / Ridge Preservation
One of the most ideal settings for bone grafting is at the time of extraction of a non-restorable or hopeless tooth. Socket or ridge preservation is a procedure to preserve the socket width or alveolar ridge width, in which Dr. Glenn places a grafting material into the extraction socket below your gum so new bone can grow. This process is aimed at preventing the atrophy or shrinking of the bone in the area that would otherwise occur.
Ridge Augmentation
In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.
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These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. Rarely in more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip. Advances in tissue engineering have made the use of artificial bone or grafts from tissue banks a viable alternative to use of the patient’s own bone.
These surgeries are usually performed in the office surgical suite operating room under I.V. sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's medical history. After discharge, it is recommended to limit physical activity for up to one week.
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