Bone Grafting
In order to be a potential candidate for an implant, there first must be sufficient bone in the jaw to accept the post. Sometimes, a bone graft may be a necessary initial step to placing a dental implant.
A bone graft is a procedure in which your oral surgeon adds more bone to the jaw in order to create an acceptable location for an implant. Material for the bone graft can be harvested from other areas of the jawbone, other areas of the body, or from synthesized bone material.
Bone grafting is often necessary because over a period of time, the jawbone below the missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition where there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for installation of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants unless the proper bone graft is done.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width and restore aesthetic appearance as well as functionality.