bone grafts

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting refers to the application of various materials to a bone defect to restore form or function.  In oral surgery, the simplest bone grafting procedures are performed to maintain a good volume of healthy bone so that a tooth removal site will optimally heal and a dental implant can be successfully placed and maintained.  

Bone grafting procedures are also used to create new bone in areas where bone has been lost or is lacking, so that dental rehabilitation can be completed.  Both bone graft sources have been proven safe and effective and have been used in surgery successfully for many years.  

Types of bone grafts

There are several types of oral surgery bone grafting procedures that may be used to restore bone volume and density in the jaw, which is important for dental implant placement and other types of oral surgery. The specific type of bone grafting procedure used will depend on the patient's individual needs and the extent of bone loss in the jaw. Some of the most common types of bone grafting procedures include:

  • Autografts: This involves taking bone graft material from another part of the patient's body, such as the hip or chin, and transferring it to the jawbone.

  • Allografts: This involves using bone graft material from a donor, such as a cadaver, to restore bone volume in the jaw.

  • Xenografts: This involves using bone graft material from an animal, such as a cow or pig, to restore bone volume in the jaw.

  • Synthetic grafts: This involves using bone graft material that is made from synthetic materials, such as calcium phosphate, to restore bone volume in the jaw.

  • Socket preservation grafts: This involves placing bone graft material into the extraction site of a tooth immediately after it is removed to preserve the bone volume and density in the jaw

  • Sinus lift grafts: This involves placing bone graft material into the sinus cavity above the upper jaw to increase bone volume and density, which is important for dental implant placement in the upper jaw.