| Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth deteriorates or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, patients may not be candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as:
|  | Sinus lift procedure This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material under the membrane, thereby “lifting” the sinus floor. This creates space for dental implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw. This exciting technique has allowed us to treat many patients who, in years past, had little hope of dental implant restorations. Ridge-augmentation In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width. Normally this type of graft is a “block “ graft with the graft being secured by bone screws and allowed to heal about 4 months. After this time, dental implants can be placed. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.
Grafting and dental implant procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon location and extent of surgery necessary. These procedures are performed in the office surgical suite under IV anesthesia or an outpatient day surgery facility under general anesthesia. The postopertative course would include bed rest recommended for one day and limited physical activity for about a week. |