What is Bone Grafting?
Over time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth can deteriorate and be reabsorbed. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone, making it difficult to place dental implants. In such situations, most patients are not suitable candidates for dental implants.
However, with bone grafting, we can replace the missing bone and promote new bone growth in that area. This not only allows us to place implants of the proper length and width but also helps restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to replace and regenerate lost bone in the jaw. Over time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth can deteriorate and be reabsorbed, resulting in poor bone quality and quantity. This often makes it difficult to place dental implants. However, with bone grafting, we can replace missing bone and promote new bone growth, enabling us to place implants and restore both functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to atrophy or resorb over time. This results in poor bone quality and quantity, making it challenging to place dental implants. Additionally, it can lead to long-term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients in these situations are not candidates for dental implants.
Fortunately, today we can grow bone where needed. This enables us to place implants of proper length and width and 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 can be obtained from a tissue bank or harvested from your own jaw, hip, or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. Additionally, special membranes that dissolve under the gum can be used to protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This process is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects in the jaws caused by traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. These large defects are repaired using the patient's own bone, harvested from various areas such as the skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), or lateral knee (tibia). These procedures are usually performed in an operating room and may require a hospital stay.
Types of Bone Grafts
Autogenous Bone Grafts: Also known as autografts, these are made from your own bone, taken from another part of your body, such as the chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or skull. The advantage of autografts is that they contain living cellular elements that enhance bone growth and eliminate the risk of rejection. However, a second procedure is required to harvest the bone, which may not be recommended depending on your condition.
Allogenic Bone: Allografts are dead bone harvested from a cadaver and processed using a freeze-dry method to remove water. Allogenic bone cannot produce new bone on its own but serves as a framework for bone from the surrounding bony walls to grow and fill the defect.
Xenogenic Bone: Xenogenic bone comes from non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. It is processed at very high temperatures to avoid immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void. Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting do not require a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing pain and risk. However, they lack the bone-forming properties of autografts, which may result in longer and less predictable bone regeneration.
Bone Graft Substitutes
In addition to real bone, many synthetic materials are available as safe and proven alternatives:
Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) / Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA): This product is processed allograft bone containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors. It is available in powder, putty, chips, or injectable gel form.
Graft Composites: These consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of various substances. Combinations may include collagen/ceramic composite, DBM combined with bone marrow cells, or a collagen/ceramic/autograft composite.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs): These proteins are naturally produced in the body and promote and regulate bone formation and healing.
Synthetic materials also eliminate the need for a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits. Dr. Dale M. Gallagher will determine the best type of bone graft material for your specific needs, ensuring personalized and effective treatment for optimal outcomes.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
Improved Implant Success: By increasing bone density and volume, bone grafting provides a solid foundation for dental implants, improving their success rate.
Enhanced Facial Aesthetics: Bone grafting restores natural jaw contours, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with bone loss.
Better Oral Function: Restoring lost bone improves the stability and function of your teeth, enhancing your ability to chew and speak properly.
Prevents Further Bone Loss: By regenerating bone, the procedure helps maintain the structural integrity of your jaw and prevents further bone deterioration.
Conclusion
Bone grafting is a highly effective procedure that enables dental implants, restores facial aesthetics, and improves oral function. With Dr. Dale M. Gallagher's extensive experience and specialized training, you can be confident in receiving personalized and effective treatment tailored to your unique needs.
Thank you for visiting Dr. Gallagher's Blog. We hope you found our articles informative and helpful on your journey to better oral and maxillofacial health. Our commitment is to provide you with the latest information and support, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared for any procedure or treatment. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office. Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and expert advice from Dr. Gallagher and his team. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Additionally, be sure to watch our YouTube channel, TMJ Tour, for detailed videos and insights on TMJ and other jaw-related conditions.
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