Dental Bone Grafting

Bone augmentation can be performed using various methods, but regardless of method, the primary purpose of the procedure is to increase or reinforce bone density in the jawbone.

Bone loss in the jaw is often caused by the loss of a tooth that isn't properly treated. Within the first year of losing a tooth, you may lose up to 25% of the bone density in that area. This issue continues to worsen over time because teeth and their roots provide essential stimulation to the jawbone, signaling the brain that the jaw is fulfilling its primary purpose. When teeth fall out, this stimulation is reduced or eliminated entirely. Consequently, the body begins to reabsorb calcium from the jaw for use elsewhere.

If you have experienced bone loss, your jawbone may not be thick enough to support a dental implant. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants involves surgically placing a titanium screw under your gums and anchoring it to your jawbone. For this to be successful, your jawbone must be dense enough to support the post. Think of it like building a piece of furniture—the wood must be thick enough for the screw to be fully secured. If your jawbone lacks sufficient density, bone grafting can enhance its thickness and provide a stable foundation for the titanium post.

The grafting material comes in a variety of different forms, including powders, granules, or gels that can be inserted via syringe. This material can come from an animal, a human, or even your own body. Once obtained, the grafting material is processed by a laboratory to ensure that it is clean and sterile.

The bone grafting procedure involves making a small incision in the gums and adding grafting material to the bone through the incision. This grafting material is composed of minerals that stimulate your body to grow new bone. Over time, this encourages your body to naturally deposit and build bone on its own. Once the bone graft is placed, it is typically covered with a thin membrane that acts as a framework for new growth.

After your bone grafting procedure, it’s common to experience some soreness. To alleviate this, you can take pain medication and apply ice packs. Additionally, you'll receive antibiotics and an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection. It’s crucial to avoid putting pressure on the area, so you'll need to be mindful of your diet for several weeks. The complete healing process can take six to nine months as your body needs time to build new bone around the grafting material or bone transfer. Although this process is gradual, your dental implants will be much more secure once you’ve fully healed.

Yes, we also offer Zygomatic Dental Implants, which are anchored to the cheekbone rather than the jaw. These implants can be an excellent option for patients seeking full-mouth dental implants but who lack sufficient bone density to support standard All-On-4 implants.