Oral Surgery Spotlight: Bone Grafting

You may be wondering why an oral surgeon would have a need to perform a bone graft. A bone grafts is an oral surgery procedure, used to augment areas of the upper and lower jaw, when needed to give adequate material to anchor one or more dental implants. While many patients retain sufficient jaw mass without grafting, there are cases where accidents, decay, periodontal disease or bone resorption have reduced bone mass, making these patients in Santa Rosa , CA, good candidates for bone grafting or sinus lifts.

How Will I Know If I Need A Bone Graft?

From your first new patient consultation, until the day of your surgery and afterwards, we will include you in any decisions we are considering in your behalf. We can use our in-office digital technology to look at the bone structure of your face. Our doctors also have years of experience placing implants and performing bone grafts when necessary. Our decision to recommend bone grafting will be made after a thorough examination, and in consultation with you.

Where Does the Grafted Bone Come From?

During the oral surgery to perform a bone graft, the bone may be harvested from  another place in your body such as a different area of the jaw, or another bone location. Cadaver bone from a tissue bank may be an option, or cow bone. There are also recently developed synthetic materials and processes that stimulate cells to build bones tissue. 

Is a Sinus Lift A Bone Graft?

A sinus lift adds mass when one or more implants are needed in the upper jaw, such as to support a single tooth, or implant bridge or denture.  If the upper sinus area is large, and the bone beneath it is lacking the needed width or height, a bone graft may be precisely placed in the sinus cavity to add mass. Once the graft has integrated with the bone, implant posts can be securely placed.

Will Your Dental Implant Surgery Involve a Bone Graft?

A bone graft can help support a weakened upper or lower jaw, making implant placement possible. If you have questions about bone grafting, or to schedule a consultation, call Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.