Bone Grafting Icon

For dental implants to be successful, they need to be placed in a good foundation of jawbone. Bone grafting refers to the use of bone materials to preserve or augment your jaw bone in order to prepare it for implant placement.

Types of Bone Grafting Procedures

Socket Graft

 A bone graft is placed in the extraction site or socket at the time of tooth removal. This allows predictable bone fill so you can get your dental implant placed in a timely fashion. If not, the site will undergo bone loss which will make it more challenging to place a dental implant without performing additional grafting procedures. 

Long-term dental infection can cause the destruction of bone around a tooth. A socket graft is especially important to help with the regeneration of lost bone.

Once the graft is placed, a resorbable membrane is used to cover the site and secured with sutures. Sometimes, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is used with the bone graft to allow for improved healing.

Sinus Lift Bone Graft

The maxillary sinuses are two large cavities in the face that border the back teeth. The sinuses can undergo a process called pneumatization, where it drops and limits the vertical space required for a dental implant. In these situations, the floor of the sinus cavity is “lifted,” and a bone graft is placed in order to accommodate the dental implant. This can be done at the same time as implant placement or as a separate procedure. There are 2 approaches to performing this procedure. 

Lateral Sinus Lift Bone Graft

This approach is used when there is very little availability of bone, and a larger area is needed for grafting. 

The sinus cavity is accessed from the side through a boney window. The sinus membrane is lifted up, and a bone graft is placed. Dental implants can be placed at the same time.

Vertical or Summer’s Sinus Lift Bone Graft

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This is a less invasive approach that is performed through the implant preparation site and is almost always done with implant placement. 

Ridge Augmentation

Ridge augmentation is a general term that refers to rebuilding jaw bone that has been lost. Typically these are more extensive procedures that may involve splitting of the bone or the use of titanium mesh.

This patient had a long-standing dental bridge that failed. There was significant bone loss in the proposed implant sites that required major bone grafting and tissue grafting. 

Types of Bone Grafts

There are several different options for bone grafts, and the selection of material depends on the situation.

Allograft (Donor Bone)

Bone is harvested from a cadaver jaw bone and placed through a stringent cleansing process. The risk of disease transmission is almost non-existent. The material acts as a scaffold and resorbs or goes away over time and gets replaced by your own bone. It is typically used in routine socket grafts or in combination with other biologic materials.

Autograft (Your Own Bone)

Typically reserved for ridge augmentation procedures, this requires a second harvest site in a different part of your body.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (rh-BMP 2, Infuse)

BMP-2 stimulates the creation of bone-forming cells and is FDA approved for multiple bone grafting indications. Typically it is reserved for more complex reconstructions. 

Biologics

At Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we take pride in being on the cutting edge of clinical technology. We use tested and proven methods to improve outcomes for our patients and ensure smoother treatment experiences. Our practice uses a number of biologics to help improve your results and expedite the healing process.

What are Biologics?

Biologics refers to a category of biotechnology consisting of pharmaceutical interventions that are derived from living cells. Often, biologics draw on nutrients found in your own bloodstream. They can also include medications made from proteins, viruses, and other living organisms.

We often provide biologics in conjunction with other treatments, including surgical interventions, to help facilitate speedier bone regeneration and a more efficient healing process.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) – Concentrated platelets and growth factors are taken from a sample of your blood and mixed with your bone graft to help with regeneration and healing

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (rh-BMP 2, Infuse) – BMP-2 is an FDA-approved product that is a powerful stimulator of bone formation for complex situations.

You’re in Good Hands with Our Doctors

Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has a reputation for clinical excellence, warm and welcoming patient care and best-in-class technology. Our entire staff is committed to providing you with a smooth and comfortable experience, ensuring your safety while helping you achieve full restoration of your oral and facial health. To schedule a consultation, we invite you to contact us at one of our many locations.