Bone Grafting

If you’re missing one or more teeth, the best option for jaw support and functionality is a dental implant. Dental implants act and feel just like real teeth! When you have missing teeth for over a period of time, it can cause your jaw bone to weaken, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.

Fortunately, we have the opportunity to not only sometimes replace bone where it is missing, but we also have the ability to promote new bone growth. This allows Dr Oakley to place implants of proper length and width and gives him a chance to restore functionally and aesthetic appearance.

 

What is a bone graft?

A bone graft acts like a filler to support and promote the growth of new bone. Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft, as well as encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration, or guided tissue regeneration.

Not everyone will need Bone Grafting when it comes to placing dental implants, but if you are a candidate for bone grafting, we have the technology and experience to do so! Please give our office a call at 913-722-3253 and one of our team members will be happy to set up a consultation or answer any questions about dental implants and bone grafting.