Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is required when patients do not have enough bone to support a dental implant. Because a dental implant is screwed directly into the jawbone, sufficient bone volume is imperative. This procedure can literally 'build' the bone, increasing height and thickness, to provide better anchorage for the implant. Bone grafts may either simultaneously accompany implant surgery, or may be performed 6 months prior to your implant placement surgery. The exact sequencing of treatment varies depending on circumstances specific to your case.
Where does the bone come from? Tissues are sometimes harvested from other areas of your mouth. Human, animal, or synthetic materials may also be obtained from a tissue bank. These graft materials are sterile, non-living, acellular and without antigenic properties, which eliminates the risk of disease transfer or graft-versus-host rejection.
For a patient who has insufficient bone foundation, a bone graft will greatly increase the chance of a successful implant restoration.
