Some people do not have enough healthy natural bone to support dental implants. Natural bone insufficiency can be caused by:
Often the patient will need to increase the amount of bone in the jaw. Recent developments in bone grafting techniques have made implant treatment possible in cases that would have been impossible just a few years ago. Also, you may require additional procedures.
There are many different bone-grafting techniques, but they can all be grouped into two types.
The first and most extensive type of bone grafting is always done as a separate surgery from the implant placement. This type of graft is used to make large changes to the shape and size of the dental ridge so that a stable implant can be placed, usually several months later. These procedures are usually performed by specialists, such as oral surgeons like Dr. Kaplan.
In the second type of bone grafting, the jaw might already have enough bone to place the implant, but not enough bone to fully cover the sides of the implant. These types of grafts are typically small in size and are performed at the time of implant placement.
Questions that you may have about bone grafting are:
In cases requiring large bone grafts, the procedures can be predicted and planned well in advance. However, the smaller bone grafts done at the time of implant placement cannot always be predicted, and must be available to the surgeon so that your implants have the best chance of success. It is very important that you and your dentist agree on this point before the start of the surgery.
Bone graft material comes from four general sources: your own available bone, freeze dried human bone from a tissue bank, processed bone elements from animals, and, finally, a mineral bone substitute
The most effective graft material is your own natural bone, then freeze dried human bone, followed by processed animal bone, and lastly, mineral bone substitute.
The safest and most desirable source of bone grafting material comes from your own body. The act of drilling the jawbone for placing the implant will naturally produce bone shavings. These shavings can be carefully collected and used as grafting materials. In cases concerning larger grafts, surgical procedures are utilized to gather additional bone from other places in your body.
All surgical services are available at both of our convenient locations.
Ask us anything from questions about the procedure to financing options, we are always happy to hear from you. Call us now at (561) 848-0553 or fill out the form.
