Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, though there are others such as ill-fitting dentures and facial trauma.  The bone grafting procedure is an excellent way to replace lost bone tissue and encourage natural bone growth.  Bone grafting is a versatile and predictable procedure which fulfills a wide variety of functions.

A bone graft may be required to create a stable base for dental implant placement, to halt the progression of gum disease or to make the smile appear more aesthetically pleasing.

Reasons for bone grafting

There are a wide variety of reasons why bone grafting may be the best option for restoring the jaw bone.

Dental implants – Implants are the preferred replacement method for missing teeth because they restore full functionality to the mouth; however, implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be effective.  If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, bone grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site.

Sinus lift – A sinus lift entails elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so that implants can be securely placed.

Ridge augmentation – Defects in the bone can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects or severe periodontal disease.  The bone graft is used to fill in the defect and make the jawbone a uniform / supportive shape for the natural dentition as well as dental implants.

What does bone grafting treatment involve?

Bone grafting is a fairly simple procedure which may be performed under local anesthetic; however if large amounts of bone area need to be grafted, deeper sedative options may be required.

Access to the defect area is achieved, then bone grafting material is placed at the affected site.

Growth factors are often used to facilitate healing.

The area is sealed and a follow up appointment will need to be made within 10 days to assess progress.

If you have any questions about bone grafting, please ask your periodontist.