Dental Implants; Bone Grafting

When teeth are lost due to previous extractions, decay, periodontal disease or trauma, the bone that supported these teeth may begin to atrophy, resorb and degenerate. This bone may now be too thin or may result in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In the past, these patients would not be candidates for placement of dental implants.

Today, we have the ability to grow or graft bone where needed. This allows us to place implants of proper length and width, which gives you, the patient, better function and esthetics.

The procedure for placing a bone graft usually requires only local anesthesia, though oral or IV (intravenous) sedatives can also be used to achieve a higher state of relaxation. Since a small incision is made in your gum tissue to gain access to the bone that will receive the graft, you may experience some soreness in the area after the surgery. This can usually be managed by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and/or pain relievers, as well as ice therapy after the procedure. Any discomfort should only last a day or two. Then, over the next several months, your body will replace the graft with its own bone, reversing the decline in bone quantity you have experienced. We will see you back in three months to do a “torque” test to ensure the implant has taken successfully.