Bone Grafting

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

Today,  Dr. Hyde, Dr. Greising and Dr. Tzanos have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and an esthetic 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 is sometimes utilized. Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.

Nothing is as reliable for placing dental implants as a patient’s own bone, and in more severe deficiencies in the jawbone or sinuses, Drs. Hyde, Greising and Tzanos may opt to utilize a material known as Infuse® Bone Graft (rhBMP-2/ACS).  This product uses a protein critical in the cascade of bone formation, resulting in the natural formation of mineralized bone.  Once the bone formation is stable enough, we can then proceed with the placement of dental implants.