Bone Grafting

Single Tooth Grafting Procedure

Single Tooth Grafting After Atrophy

During implant reconstruction, bone grafting becomes necessary if your upper or lower jawbones do not have enough volume to support the titanium posts. This usually results from periodontal disease, injuries, cysts, infections, or an extracted tooth. Bone grafting restores your previous bone structure by actually growing bone or replacing it with a synthetic material.

Best results are usually achieved through “autograft,” which uses the patient’s own bone, such as from the jaws, hips, or ribs; or “allograft,” which uses bones taken from donors, which are frozen or stored in tissue banks. A variety of natural and synthetic replacement materials can be used instead of bone. Another method for promoting bone formation is through the “Barrier Membrane Technique.” The membranes are made out of special materials placed over the bone graft site in order to promote growth and cell migration, which creates healthy bone. The membranes may resorb into the body or need to be removed at a later date. “Screws” and “tacks” may also be used and later removed.

Bone grafts can also be used to prevent further bone loss due to gingivitis. Other forms of gingival grafting include soft tissue grafts and guided tissue regeneration may be utilized.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Gum recession can lead to worsening recession, exposed root surfaces, and softer enamel causing root caries. In order to reinforce receding or thin gums and prevent additional bone loss, soft tissue — which is usually taken from the roof of the mouth (palate) — is stitched over the affected area. This procedure will result in an improved appearance while also preventing decay and reducing sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration helps stimulate bone and gum tissue growth. Our oral surgeons will insert a mesh-like fabric between the bone and gum tissue that prevents the gum tissue from growing into the area where bone should be. This procedure enables the bone and connective tissue to re-grow and provide better support for the affected teeth.

Socket Preservation

A socket preservation bone graft is a dental procedure that may take place following a tooth extraction. After a tooth is removed, our oral surgeons will place bone graft material directly into the socket where the tooth’s roots were. This type of bone graft slows down the shrinkage process and preserves the natural width and height of jawbone in the site where the tooth was pulled.