Bone Graft

Bone grafting is a re-constructive dental procedure used to rebuild or strengthen jawbone that has been damaged by periodontal gum disease, severe decay, and trauma or tooth loss causing the jawbone to recede or collapse. Dental implant candidates often require bone grafting before surgery to ensure the successful implantation of implants.

Bone is removed from another area of the body and inserted the jawbone. The inserted bone grafts fuse to the existing bone and gradually encourage growth of the patient’s natural jawbone.

Bone for dental bone grafting is commonly taken from the hip or chin. If patients do not want to use bone from another area of the body, dentists can use 'bone' material made from synthetic materials.

A Good Candidate for Bone Grafting

Bone grafting candidates are patients who are missing jawbone because the bone has receded or there is not enough jawbone to support a dental implant.

Bone Grafting Procedure

Periodontists make an incision in the gum to reveal the jawbone. Small holes are prepared into the area of the jaw where the bone graft will be placed. If a large amount of bone grafting is needed the grafted bone will be secured into the existing bone with titanium screws.

Bone marrow may be placed on top of the bone graft to stimulate healing before the incision is sealed. Periodontists place tissue membrane over the dental bone graft and seal the incision with dental sutures.

The length of the procedure depends on the amount of bone grafting needed. The time can range from 2 hours to 5 hours if bone is removed from another area of the body and re-located.