Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or shrinks. This often leaves a condition in which the bone is inadequate for replacing the missing teeth with dental restorations that are functional and esthetic. Under these circumstances, most patients are not candidates for using dental implants to assist in replacing these missing teeth.
We now have the ability to grow or graft bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore optimal function and esthetics. There are many types of bone grafting procedures as outlined below.
Tooth loss in the molar area of the upper jaw often results in bone loss in the area of the maxillary sinus. After a tooth is removed, the sinus floor often drops in the area of the missing tooth resulting in a lack of bone height for placement of dental implants. This condition can easily be corrected with a sinus floor bone graft. Often times this procedure can be completed at the time of implant placement.
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.
Occasionally after tooth removal, a localized area of the jawbone may reabsorb or atrophy over time. This may result in a reduction in the height or width of the jawbone in this area making it difficult or impossible to adequately restore the missing teeth in these areas. Many graft materials are available to reconstruct the missing bone in these areas. The available options include bank bone, synthetic materials and transplantation of a patient’s own bone from other areas within the mouth.
In conditions where there has been severe bone loss due to multiple missing teeth over a long period of time, or jaw pathology such as cysts and tumors, significant volumes of bone may be needed. Under these circumstances, it may be necessary to obtain bone from the hip to adequately replace the missing bone.
These surgeries are performed in our office or in the Operating Room in the hospital under general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.