Bone Grafting
Some patients do not have sufficient bone density to support dental implants. In this situation, the dentist may recommend a bone graft in the jaw. For a bone graft, bone tissue is placed into the area that needs additional support. Grafted bone can come from the patient’s body or a tissue bank. Bone growth stimulant speeds the natural process of bone tissue integrating with the graft.
Types of bone & gum grafts include:
- Alloplast: These grafts are done with inert, man made synthetic materials.
- Allograft: This type of graft is made with bone from a human donor. Bone obtained in this manner undergoes rigorous tests and sterilization. Your body "converts" the donor bone into your natural bone, thereby rebuilding your resorbed jawbone.
- Xenograft: Material for a xenograft is harvested from an animal, most likely cow bone. specially processed to make it biocompatible and sterile. It acts like a "filler" which in time your body will replace with natural bone.
- Autogenous graft: A graft of this type is done with the patient's own bone. Dr. Nguyen will harvest bone from one area of your body and apply it to your jawbone graft.
- Block graft: A block bone graft involves removing a specimen of bone from a nearby donor site and fixing it to the intended implant site. In most cases this bone is taken from an area of the chin; however it can also be taken from the lower jaw.
- Sinus lift/sinus graft: This type of bone graft for dental implants is a sinus lift, in which bone is added to the upper jaw, near molars. Increasing bone density improves potential for success with dental implants.
Once a bone graft is placed, an oral surgeon or dentist monitors healing, then re-evaluates candidacy for dental implant surgery.
