Bone grafting is a surgical treatment that is performed to reverse bone loss or enhance existing bone in areas that may be deficient. Bone grafting in the jaw is often used after tooth extractions or before dental implant placement to add bone in preparation for a dental implant. The treatment itself is quick and usually can be performed in the office, but a few months of recovery following treatment is required for the bone graft to fuse with your natural bone.
The bone that is used in your graft can either be obtained from a tissue bank, or it can be your own bone, which is usually taken from another area in your jaw. Your own bone growth may also be stimulated by grafting bone morphogenetic proteins to the affected area. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) occur naturally in the body and promote and regulate bone formation and healing. When BMPs are used in bone grafting, you won’t require an additional procedure to harvest bone because the BMPs will work in your body to create new bone in the location of the deficiency. This reduces both risk and pain for the patient. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery are extensively trained to provide the full scope of bone grafting procedures.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
Bone grafting is a common first step for dental implant patients when the area of the jaw bone where the implant will be placed has deteriorated due to prolonged tooth loss, gum disease, or other factors. Bone grafting provides a stable foundation for dental implants and stimulates new bone growth. All bone grafting procedures consist of the application of a solution of granulated bone material, growth factors, and other healing agents in the areas of your jaw that lack the right amount or quality of bone.
There are a few different bone and soft tissue grafting treatments available to meet each one of our patient’s needs, including
- Ridge Augmentation. If the alveolar ridge bone, a special type of bone surrounding and supporting teeth, has deteriorated or lost density, ridge augmentation may be required to widen or heighten the jaw in preparation for the placement of dental implants. During ridge expansion, the alveolar ridge is surgically split, and bone graft material is inserted.
- Sinus Lift. When there is not enough bone present between the upper jaw and the sinus cavity for a successful dental implant, oral surgeons can perform a sinus lift procedure. In this procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted, and a bone graft is placed below the lifted membrane. The graft will integrate with the bone in the jaw over several months of healing time. Once the graft has fused with the natural bone, dental implants can be placed with a much higher rate of success.
- Socket preservation. This procedure prevents bone loss and prepares for the success of an eventual dental implant by placing a bone graft into the empty socket immediately after a tooth extraction.
- Soft Tissue Grafts. If periodontal disease has caused gum recession to the extent that the gum will not line up perfectly with an implant crown placement, a soft tissue graft will be recommended. This will ensure that the gum line is uniform around the implant for a completely natural look. Soft tissue grafts are small pieces of tissue taken from other areas and surgically implanted in the affected area. In addition to the aesthetic benefit of this procedure, it helps to stop bone loss and further recession of the gums — and even helps reduce painful root sensitivity.
If you are having dental implants placed, bone grafting may be recommended so that your dental implants will have the proper foundation of healthy bone for long-term stability. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery are available to discuss your bone grafting and bone augmentation options and develop a treatment plan for you based on your oral health and condition. Please contact our front office to schedule a consultation.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), is a type of protein found naturally in our bodies that helps stimulate new bone growth. This material can be synthesized and used in bone grafting and augmentation procedures to increase the jaw bone support required for a stable dental implant placement — and BMP eliminates the need to source bone from other graft sites or use banked bone.
The Bone Morphogenetic Protein Procedure
During BMP treatment, the protein solution is mixed with water and added to a sponge-like collagen material that will be placed over the area of bone that requires additional support. The combined materials stimulate and support bone growth. Both the BMP and the collagen sponge will dissolve as the BMP creates new natural tissue and bone during a healing process of several months. After the new bone has finished growing into the area, your jaw will be ready to support a successful dental implant.