Bone Grafting for Implants

Do I have enough bone for dental implants?

Bone loss in the jaw is common in people who have had gum disease, lost teeth, suffered facial trauma, or have ill-fitting dentures these often present a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants. Even for those with only a single missing tooth, between 40% and 60% of the supporting bone structure may be lost in the first year, oftentimes making it difficult to place a dental implant that will last. In the past, these patients were not able to have dental implants. Today we have the ability to restore bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of ideal size, but also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. While bone grafting first sound extreme, the reality is that thanks to today’s innovative bone grafting techniques and materials, bone grafting in the oral cavity is a routine, predictable and painless procedure.

The doctors at Sarasota Oral and Implant Surgery have completed extensive training in bone reconstruction and uses all available surgical techniques. These include using autologous bone (bone from the patient), allogeneic bone (sterile bone from another source), and BMP-2 (protein that creates new bone). They also utilize technology that extracts platelets and growth factors from a small blood draw. The doctors will be happy to identify and discuss the appropriate procedure to accomplish your goals.

You may also need bone grafting if the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are very large, or very low, and extend into the tooth-bearing areas. This often occurs when teeth in the back of a person’s upper jaw have been removed many years before, and the amount of bone available for implant placement is limited. A “sinus grafting procedure” is then required.  During this procedure, the membrane that lines the sinus will be located and elevated. Bone will then be added to restore the bone height and ensure that dental implants of an adequate length can be placed. This procedure often can be performed at the time of implant placement.