Bone Grafting
Dental Implants West Linn, OR
 Dental implants have revolutionized restorations for missing teeth. However, implant treatment often requires preliminary procedures like bone grafting. Bone grafting is often used to help patients qualify for implant treatment, which, in turn, helps you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile!
When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is positioned underneath the gum tissue and into the jawbone. Once in place, the implant post mimics the function of a tooth root and can be used to support a wide variety of restorations. The strength and support of a dental implant involves a process known as osseointegration. During osseointegration, the implant post and your jaw will fuse to form a powerful bond.
Osseointegration will only take place with bone that is healthy enough to support an implant. If your bone is too thin or too soft, osseointegration may not occur, which results in implant failure. A bone graft can improve the quality and quantity of your jawbone, ensuring the success of your implant.
A bone graft will foster the growth of new, healthy bone that strengthens the structure of your jaw. This can help you qualify for implant treatment and even provide you with a more youthful facial appearance. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Jeffrey Crowley will perform a comprehensive exam to determine if a bone graft is necessary.
Bone Grafting Procedures
There are several types of bone grafting procedures, but each one follows the same basic steps. During your grafting procedure, we will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. Next, we place the grafting material over the section of your bone in need of restoration. Once the graft material is in place, we will suture any incisions.
Over the next several months, the grafting material will absorb into your jaw to create newer, healthier bone. By the end of this process, your jawbone should be strong enough to support a dental implant. We usually need to wait until the process is complete to proceed with implant treatment.
Bone grafting procedures include:
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Socket Preservation: This procedure is performed immediately after a tooth extraction, which prevents deterioration and expedites the implant process.
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Ridge Expansion: This procedure helps widen the upper jaw to support implants. During this procedure, we divide the bone and place the graft material in the divided area, which creates an alveolar ridge wide enough for implants.
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Sinus Lift: The upper posterior (back) jaw has very little naturally occurring bone. A sinus lift helps us restore missing teeth in this area of the mouth. During the procedure, we gently “lift” up your sinus membrane to create more space for the graft material. |
Bone Grafting Materials
These days, we can source bone grafting materials in several different ways. Types of grafting materials include:
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Autograft: Bone sourced from another bone-rich area of your body
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Allograft: Bone sourced from another human donor
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Xenograft: Bone sourced from a species other than human, usually a cow
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Alloplastic Graft: Synthetic graft material fabricated in a laboratory |
Schedule Your Consultation
Find out if you need a bone graft today, especially if you are interested in dental implant treatment. Call (971) 447-0164 to schedule your consultation appointment now!
FAQs
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild or strengthen areas of the jawbone that have lost volume or density. At Oral Solutions NW, our dental team may recommend bone grafting to create a healthier foundation for dental implants or to restore bone support after tooth loss, infection, or injury.
Why might I need bone grafting before dental implants?
Bone grafting may be needed before dental implants if there is not enough healthy jawbone to securely support the implant. Our dentists will evaluate your bone structure with an exam and imaging to determine whether grafting can improve implant stability and long-term treatment success.
What causes jawbone loss?
Jawbone loss can occur after tooth loss, gum disease, infection, trauma, or long-term denture wear. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone may gradually shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root.
What happens during a dental bone grafting procedure?
During dental bone grafting, our dental team carefully places grafting material in the area where additional bone support is needed. Over time, the grafted area heals and encourages new bone formation, helping create a stronger foundation for future restorative or implant treatment.
How do I care for my mouth after bone grafting?
After bone grafting, it is important to follow all instructions from Oral Solutions NW, which may include eating soft foods, keeping the area clean, avoiding smoking, and attending follow-up visits. Contact our dental team if you notice worsening pain, swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection. |
