| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Bone Grafting
Major and Minor Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is
reabsorbed. 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.
We now 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 esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to
as:
Sinus lift procedure
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the
sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.
Ridge-augmentation
In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the
ridge height and/or width.
New techniques involving moving segments of your own bone with mechanical distracting
devices are proving to be very successful and can decrease the time needed for
reconstruction. This technique is called osseo-distraction and can be of great help in
areas which before were very difficult to bone graft in the conventional fashion.
New implants are now letting us place smaller implants in less bone and achieving the
same results.
Nerve-repositioning
The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be
moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the
individual’s condition. There are several areas of the body that are suitable for
attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside
the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the
last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from
the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.
Most of these surgeries are performed in the office surgical suite under I.V. sedation
or general anesthesia. Major procedures
Phone: (217) 383-3280
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