Bone Grafting
Improve Bone Health and Regrow Lost Bone
When a tooth is missing, there is nothing in its place to stimulate the jaw bone underneath. A natural tooth has roots embedded into the jaw. These provide stimulation during chewing, which keeps the jaw healthy and strong. Without stimulation, the jaw bone begins to deteriorate over time. This can poorly affect your ability to restore the missing tooth later with dental implants. A weakened jaw can also result in sagging facial features and cause other teeth to shift out of place.
Today, there are many bone grafting techniques used in dentistry to help regrow lost bone. These techniques enable more patients to be candidates for restorative treatments like dental implants and full-arch restoration by creating a stable foundation for the implants.
Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon are board-certified oral surgeons who will evaluate your oral health and assess the strength of your jaw bone. If you require grafting, your surgeon will develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Reno and Sparks, NV, to see how we can improve your health.
How Does Bone Grafting Work?
Bone grafts serve many purposes, ranging from preserving empty tooth sockets and preparing for future restoration. It works by your oral surgeon inserting grafting material where new bone is needed. Then, your natural bone will heal over the grafting site, resulting in adequate bone quality and quantity.
During your first visit, Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will take 3D scans of your mouth and face to diagnose any problems. Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers several anesthesia options for patients undergoing any treatment to ensure you feel comfortable. Your surgeon will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Common causes for jaw bone loss include:
- Tooth extraction and not replacing the tooth with a dental implant
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Craniofacial or developmental deformities
- Dentures/bridgework
- Facial trauma
- Cysts or tumors
- Bone loss caused by other diseases
The Types of Bone Grafts
Autogenous Bone
Autogenous bone grafts, or autografts, are harvested from the patient’s own chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or skull. This eliminates the risk of your body rejecting the graft material since it comes from your own body. A second procedure is necessary to harvest the bone.
Allogenic Bone
Allogenic bone, or allograft, is harvested from a cadaver. The sample is placed where it is needed and serves as a framework for new bone to grow around.
Xenogenic Bone
Xenogenic bone comes from non-living bone of another species, often a cow. The bone is specially handled to avoid the risk of rejection and will serve as a framework for new bone.
Graft Composites
Graft composites consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors as a substitute to using real bone. These synthetic materials are safe and proven to be effective when used correctly. Materials such as collagen, ceramic, and autograph composites are used to replicate the function of a traditional bone graft.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP)
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are naturally produced in the body and promote bone formation and healing. BMPs can be harvested from the patient via a small blood sample and applied to the area in need of healing.
Types of Anesthesia
There are three main types of anesthesia that we use at our practice:
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