Procedures

Bone Grafting

Major Bone Grafting

Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair continuity defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient's own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.

Nerve-repositioning

The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the lower jaw and provides sensation to the lower lip and chin area. This nerve sometimes needs to be relocated to make room for the placement of dental implants.

These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual's condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.

These surgeries are performed in our surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.

Minor Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

We now have the ability to graft bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as:
Sinus lift procedure

The sinus is a hollow cavity located above the teeth in the posterior upper jaw. When teeth are lost the supporting bone shrinks bringing the sinus closer to the upper jaw. This bone loss often prevents placement of dental implants. This procedure is performed to rebuild the lost supporting bone by placing a graft onto the sinus floor. Once the graft has matured implants can be used to replace the missing teeth.

Ridge-augmentation

When teeth are lost the supporting bone left behind is called a ridge. Over time the ridge can shrink and prevent the placement of dental implants. Bone grafts can be placed to increase the height and/or width of the ridge to allow tooth replacement using implants. The grafts are usually harvested from local sites in the jaws.