Bone GraftingSan Diego, CA

Understanding Bone Grafting

Many people are surprised to learn that missing teeth are more than a matter of aesthetics. They also pose a significant detriment to functionality. Bone grafting can help replace missing bones and promote new bone growth. The procedure involves the surgeon making an incision over the bone defect, shaping and inserting the bone graft into and around the area, and holding it in place with pins, plates, or screws.

Several potential factors may contribute to jaw bone deterioration and loss, including congenital disabilities, facial trauma, malocclusion, oral pathology, periodontal diseases, and sinus deficiencies. Over time, missing teeth may cause the jaw bone to atrophy (or resorb). Additionally, the remaining bone may not be sufficient, either in quality or quantity, to place dental implants. Bone loss may also cause the facial appearance to sag, impede a patient’s ability to speak and chew, expand the sinuses, and complicate future dental procedures.

Why Bone Grafting

Not all bone grafting procedures are the same. For instance, any grafting performed in preparation for dental implants or to fill an empty bone socket may be considered minor; bone grafting to correct any jaw irregularities may be regarded as major. In any case, bone grafting may assist in nerve repositioning, ridge augmentation, sinus lift surgery, and socket preservation.

Nerve Repositioning

Dental implant placement often requires repositioning of the inferior alveolar nerve. A nerve repositioning procedure will typically involve exposing the nerve and vessel canal by removing an outer section of the cheek on the side of the lower jaw bone. The surgeon will then isolate the nerve and vessel bundle in that area before pulling it out slightly to the side and placing the implants. The bone graft material refills the incision site before it is closed.

Ridge Augmentation

Bone grafting can also assist in the restoration of the alveolar ridge bone. Ridge augmentations are typically performed after tooth extractions to recreate the natural contour of the gums and the jaw. Prior tooth extractions tend to lead to the loss of such contours. There will be an empty socket in the alveolar ridge bone after tooth extraction. Though this socket will usually heal on its own, it sometimes breaks and deteriorates.

Sinus Lift

It is sometimes necessary to raise the sinus floor to allow for new bone formation. This procedure is known as sinus lift surgery or sinus augmentation surgery. It is typically only necessary when the sinus wall is too thin to place dental implants in the bone, usually due to either injury or periodontal disease.

Socket Preservation

It is possible for the bone (or socket) that once held a tooth in place to become damaged by disease or infection after tooth extraction. This may eventually cause a deformity of the jaw, which may prove obstructive in performing future restorative dentistry treatments. Socket preservation can help preserve the bone. This procedure involves filling the socket immediately with bone or bone substitute after extraction. The surgeon will then cover it with artificial membrane, gum, or tissue to aid in the healing process.