BONE GRAFTING FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS
Bone grafting is a procedure performed to replace bone loss in the jaw that anchors teeth using one or more different bone grafting options. Dental surgeries (also known as oral maxillofacial surgeries) may require bone growth in the upper jaw, such as a sinus augmentation or a ridge augmentation.
If a person is missing teeth or bone in the upper jaw, bone graft may be able to stimulate the bone growth needed to reshape the jaw and prepare it for dental implants. These implants are used to replace missing teeth.
WHY IS BONE GRAFTING IMPORTANT FOR DENTAL RESTORATION?
Teeth are anchored into the jaw in an area of bone called the alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge bone surrounds tooth roots to secure teeth, and allows for normal tooth use such as chewing. Without enough alveolar ridge bone, the jaw cannot support either natural teeth or dental implants.
There are many reasons why a person may have bone loss in their jaw. For example, they may have had either a tooth knocked out and bone was lost with the tooth, or they may have periodontal (gum) disease. Whatever the reason, a person may not have enough bone in their jaws to anchor their natural teeth or to support the successful placement of dental implants.
If the alveolar ridge bone has been lost and there is a need to grow new bone to place dental implants, a surgeon may recommend dental bone graft surgery.
Most dental bone grafting surgeries are done to restore bone to its previous form following tooth loss, gum disease or trauma. Bone grafting may also be used to maintain bone structure after tooth extraction.
WHY would a surgeon suggest DENTAL BONE GRAFT SURGERY?
Restoring and maintaining facial bone structure is important for several reasons. Many dental procedures, such as dental implant placement, require the bone to be as close to its original dimension and position as possible for optimal results. Also, the jaw and other facial bones support the skin and muscle that are responsible for a person's outward cosmetic appearance. Without the support of the underlying bone, faces can look prematurely aged.