Bone Graft

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the supporting jawbone. The implant acts as an anchor to the teeth restoration that is fixed over it. The success of dental implant surgery depends on the status of the bone. When our oral surgeon finds out that the bone is not healthy enough to hold an implant, bone grafting process may be recommended to recreate a good foundation for the restoration. There are various ways in which the bone can be rebuilt. It is a process that is performed before dental implant surgery. Successful completion of bone grafting and dental implant surgeries and proper oral care can guarantee a healthy smile and good oral health. If you have a query regarding bone grafting process, call our Smiles Guru office in Cathedral City to make an appointment. Our oral surgeon in Cathedral City CA responds to your queries and recommends the most suitable surgical option for you.

Jawbone loss – How it occurs?

Our natural teeth maintain the shape of our face by supporting the facial muscles. The teeth transfer bite load to the jawbone through tooth roots which keep the bone healthy. When a tooth is lost, the bone underneath gets no stimulation and it starts to shrink. This process is sometimes referred to as bone re-absorption. This is one of the reasons why the lower third of the face tends to collapse and become small in people who have lost most of their teeth.

Jawbone loss may also occur because of periodontal disease, radiation therapy for cancer and from trauma. Depending on the amount of bone lost different techniques can be followed to recreate the supporting bone.

Bone Grafting – The Different Types

Depending on the area and the extent of jawbone loss there are different ways in which bone can be rebuilt at our office. We use bone from a different part of the body or from an external source to rebuild the jawbone.

When there is more bone loss

There may be more jawbone loss when the lost tooth is not replaced soon. In such cases, our oral surgeon may replace the lost bone with a block of artificial or natural bone material. Titanium screws can hold the block in place. The screws are removed at a later stage. It may take a few months for the structure to heal.

Lost bone can be augmented using powdered bone graft material. There are some catalysts which are capable of stimulating bone growth. The bone graft site is covered with a membrane after filling the material in place. The membrane dissolves and the bone is successfully rebuilt over a period of time.