Told You Don't Have Enough Bone For Implants?
When teeth are lost or removed, the jawbone underneath begins to shrink. Over time, that bone loss can make implants seem out of reach, but often they don't have to be.
Dental Implants
When teeth are lost or removed, the jawbone underneath begins to shrink. Over time, that bone loss can make implants seem out of reach, but often they don't have to be.
Bone grafting places a biocompatible material at the site of bone loss. This material acts as a scaffold, and your body grows new, natural bone over it, restoring the volume needed for implants or other restorations.
What To Expect
Clear guidance at every step.
How bone grafting works
Bone grafting places a biocompatible material at the site of bone loss. This material acts as a scaffold, and your body grows new, natural bone over it, restoring the volume needed for implants or other restorations.
Types of bone grafting for implants
Socket preservation is performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss before it begins. Ridge augmentation rebuilds areas where the jaw has already shrunk. Sinus lifts add bone in the upper jaw near the sinus cavity. Each type supports bone grafting for implants and long-term jaw stability.
Level of bone grafting procedures
Major and minor bone grafting Over time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. It often leaves the quality and quantity of bone unsuitable for dental implant placement. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for dental implant placement. Today, we can grow bone where needed. This not only allows us to place implants of proper length and width, but also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance. Major bone grafting Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone that is taken from the jaw, hip, or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be used that dissolve under the gum, protect the bone graft, and encourage bone regeneration. It is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration. Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair jawbone defects. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital disabilities. Large defects are repaired using the patient's own bone. This bone is harvested from multiple 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 hospitalization.
Ideal Candidates
Bone grafting may be right for you if you've lost bone due to tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. It's also worth considering if a previous provider told you implants weren't possible. A second opinion from reputable providers like The Center for Oral & Facial Surgery can reveal options you haven't yet been offered.
What to Do Before and During the Procedure
Speak with the practice to review candidacy, timing, and next steps.