Bone Grafting for Jawbone Restoration

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the mouth, though other factors such as ill-fitting dentures or facial trauma can also contribute. Bone grafting is an effective procedure that replaces lost bone tissue and encourages natural bone growth. It is a versatile and predictable treatment that serves multiple purposes, from supporting dental implants to improving the aesthetics of your smile.

Types of Bone Grafts

Bone grafts can be sourced in several ways, depending on the patient’s needs:

  • Autogenous Bone Graft: Bone is taken from another part of the patient’s body, such as the chin, jaw, or posterior third molar areas. For larger grafts, the hip (iliac crest) or shin bone (tibia) may be used.
  • Allograft: Synthetic bone created in a lab or bone sourced from a bone bank (cadaver bone) is used for grafting.
  • Xenograft: Bovine (cow) bone is implanted safely without the need for a secondary donor site.

Reasons for Bone Grafting

Bone grafting may be necessary for a variety of dental and oral health reasons:

  • Dental Implants: Implants require a stable and dense jawbone for support. Bone grafting strengthens and thickens the implant site when natural bone is insufficient.
  • Sinus Lift: Bone is grafted onto the sinus floor after elevating the sinus membrane, allowing secure placement of implants in the upper jaw.
  • Ridge Augmentation: Bone ridges caused by trauma, congenital defects, or severe periodontal disease can be smoothed and filled to restore uniform jawbone shape.
  • Nerve Repositioning: When the inferior alveolar nerve needs to be moved for implant placement, a bone graft may be performed to protect and support the surgical site.

Bone Grafting Procedure

Bone grafting is usually performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used for larger grafts. The procedure involves several steps:

  1. Preparation of Graft Material: Bone is harvested or prepared for insertion.
  2. Incision and Placement: A small incision is made in the gum tissue, which is carefully lifted to expose the underlying bone. The grafting material is then placed at the targeted site.

Bone regeneration can be further enhanced with:

  • Gum/Bone Tissue Regeneration: A thin barrier membrane is placed over the graft to separate fast-growing gum tissue from slower-growing bone cells, allowing proper bone formation.
  • Tissue-Stimulating Proteins: Products like Emdogain, containing enamel matrix proteins, promote the formation of cementum and support periodontal attachment.
  • Platelet-Rich Growth Factors (PRGF): Concentrated platelets help stimulate bone growth, creating a denser graft in less time.

The gum tissue is sutured over the graft, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled within 10 days to monitor healing. Bone grafting is highly successful and provides a solid foundation for future periodontal or implant restorations.

For any questions about bone grafting or whether it’s right for you, please consult your dentist.