/ Services / Bone Grafting
When patients lose teeth, they often don’t realize that their overall oral health will suffer.
Without a tooth in the socket, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. The longer a tooth is missing, the greater the bone loss.
A missing tooth can also cause surrounding teeth to move into misalignment. Fortunately, bone grafting can combat jawbone loss, preserve tooth sockets, prevent misalignment, and even provide support for the placement of dental implants.
There are a variety of bone grafting procedures available, from socket preservation to prepare for future dental implants to sinus lifts, which restore the already-thin upper jawbone.
Your treatment will depend on your specific needs. However, if you are interested in hearing about bone grafting and how it can benefit your oral health and your plans for implants, we encourage you to contact our oral surgery practice in Kennewick. Our staff will answer all your questions.
Bone grafting restores parts of the jawbone and facial skeleton lacking in quantity or quality of bone.
Missing teeth, traumatic injuries, genetic defects, and other oral health problems can all lead to an insufficient amount of bone in the jaw. Your surgeon may recommend bone grafting as a part of a larger treatment plan to replace missing teeth or restore your facial bones after a traumatic injury.
For dental implants to integrate with the jawbone and provide a secure foundation for the new crown, the jawbone must have the proper height and width to support the implant post.
When teeth have been missing for an extended period, the jawbone surrounding the missing tooth site tends to recede due to a lack of stimulation.
If this is the case, bone grafting may be necessary to restore the bone and allow for the secure placement of dental implants.
At Columbia Basin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, there are a variety of different bone grafting treatments available to restore the jaw and facial bones. If you undergo a bone grafting procedure, the grafting material can be taken from your own bone, usually from your jaw or hip bones, or from a tissue bank.
Socket Preservation
If you need a tooth extracted, sometimes your surgeon will recommend a bone graft procedure to speed up healing and preserve the shape of the jawbone. This is usually recommended if you wish to have a dental implant placed later and ensure that the tooth socket is preserved for further placement. This can often be completed when your tooth is removed.
Ridge Expansion
Some patients lack the amount of jawbone necessary for successful implant placement. A unique bone grafting procedure called ridge expansion can be performed to increase the height and/or width of the jawbone.
This distinctive technique recreates the natural contour of your gums and jaw, improving the aesthetics of your mouth and jaw line. Once the graft has healed, the jawbone will be strong enough and wide enough to support dental implants.
Sinus Lift
The sinuses rest just behind the cheeks and above your upper teeth. When patients need dental implants placed within their upper arch of teeth, sometimes the bone which separates the mouth from the sinus cavity is too thin to support implant placement. Your oral surgeon can perform a sinus lift procedure (also known as a sinus graft) to correct this problem.
During the treatment, your surgeon will enter the sinus through the upper jaw and carefully lift the sinus membrane. Bone graft material is then placed in the sinus to provide adequate space for the dental implant.
The primary benefit is rebuilding a weak or deficient jawbone. Missing teeth, gum disease, and injuries can all lead to bone loss in the jaw. A bone graft fills these gaps and promotes new bone growth, creating a sturdier foundation for your teeth and future dental procedures.
A healthy jawbone provides crucial support for your teeth and gums. Bone grafts help maintain proper positioning of your teeth, preventing them from shifting or becoming loose. Additionally, strong jawbone support keeps your gums healthy, reducing the risk of gum disease.
Bone loss in the jaw can lead to a sunken appearance in the face. Dental bone grafts can restore the contours of your jawbone, providing better support for facial muscles and tissues. This not only improves aesthetics but can also enhance confidence.
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth, but they require a strong jawbone for successful placement. Bone grafts can create the necessary bone volume and density to support implants, allowing individuals with bone loss to benefit from this advanced dental restoration technique.
Missing teeth can trigger a domino effect, leading to further bone deterioration in the jaw. A bone graft helps halt this process by promoting new bone growth and stabilizing the remaining bone structure. This not only benefits the immediate area but also contributes to overall jawbone health.
At Columbia Basin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our oral surgeons are experts in diagnosing the jaw and preparing the mouth for dental implant restorations. When you come in for a consultation or surgery, we will ensure that you feel informed and prepared for whatever procedure you decide to undergo.
If you are interested in dental implant placement or bone restoration procedures, we encourage you to contact our office in Kennewick, WA, to schedule an appointment.