Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

If you have experienced tooth loss, dental implants can serve as artificial tooth roots to provide a lifetime of support for restorations. However, many patients will find that they do not qualify for this advanced treatment because they lack the necessary jaw strength to support the embedded implant posts, while others will experience implant failure after implants surgery. In these cases, Dr. Andrew R. Glenn can perform bone grafting for dental implants at our Lincoln, NE, practice so that you can experience the unparalleled benefits of implant-supported restorations. To learn more about bone grafting for dental implants, reach out to our practice today.

Why Do Implants Patients Undergo Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking a small amount of healthy bone tissue and transferring it to build up bone density and mass in another area of the body. As we chew, our dental roots stimulate blood flow to the surrounding areas of the jawbone. When teeth are lost, the jawbone will no longer receive these important signals and begin to deteriorate, or recede, as a result. Even a single missing tooth can lead to significant jawbone recession.

A dental implants treatment can halt this bone loss by returning stimulation to the jaw. However, if you have been missing teeth for an extensive period of time, you may not have enough healthy jawbone density to qualify for dental implants surgery. By undergoing a bone grafting procedure with Dr. Glenn, we can restore strength to your jaw and ensure a successful implants treatment.

Correct Timing Is Vital

Typically, Dr. Glenn will perform bone grafting before a dental implants placement procedure. However, in some cases, he may perform the two treatments in conjunction with one another. If you will be undergoing bone grafting after tooth extraction, proper timing is especially important in order to prevent bone atrophy. Fortunately, Dr. Glenn works with a dedicated implant coordinator who will help to ensure proper scheduling.

Advanced Technology for Exceptional Precision

Dr. Glenn performs all bone grafting procedures using state-of-the-art technology. Cone beam computerized tomography (CT) scans are particularly useful when planning a bone graft, since they provide a three-dimensional image of your entire jaw. This image allows Dr. Glenn to determine the ideal placement location for your bone graft, improving results.

Types of Bone Grafts

In order to meet the diverse needs of his patients, Dr. Glenn can perform several types of bone grafting, including:

• Particulate grafts: Small particles of bone are placed through an incision site. 
• Block grafts: A larger portion of bone tissue is moved from one site to another.
• Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) grafts: Naturally occurring proteins are placed in recessed areas to stimulate bone growth.
• Sinus lifts: Dr. Glenn will reposition the sinus membrane and reinforce the upper jawbone.

When you visit our practice for a consultation, we can provide answers to some common bone grafting questions and perform a thorough exam to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you have been told that you are not a candidate for implants, bone grafting may be an effective way to greatly improve your candidacy. To learn more about bone grafting, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Glenn today.