What is a Bone Graft?
In dentistry, bone grafting is an oral surgery procedure that involves the placement of new bone, either from your own jawbone (or hip in some cases) or a substitute, to help restore your jawbone to the appropriate levels necessary for procedures such a dental implant placement.
Why Would I Need a Bone Graft?
Bone grafting is a procedure often used to accompany the placement of dental implants.
While dental implants are a highly successful procedure when done correctly, there are dentists who don’t have the proper training to place them, so dental implant failure is a real issue. To read more about this subject, you may want to consult our dental implant failure page. One of the main reasons for the failure of a dental implant is the lack of adequate bone support for the implant. Dr. Thein will not place an implant unless he has determined that your mouth can fully support it. If he deems your jawbone too soft, too thin, or of insufficient bulk, he will suggest a bone graft procedure to create a solid base for a dental implant.
The graft will need some time to integrate into your own bone, often a period of several months. Then, after the implant is placed, an additional healing period is required, during which the implant fuses to your bone so that it can provide a solid foundation for the final restoration.
If teeth are to be extracted prior to the implant procedure, bone grafting material can be placed in the tooth socket at the time of extraction. This will maximize the amount of bone support available for the implant.
If you believe you could be a candidate for a bone graft, call our office to schedule an appointment or a short, complimentary consultation during which you can ask Dr. Thein about the bone grafting process to help determine if you are a candidate.